Abstract

SANCHEZ-VALLEJO, GREGORIO. Epidemics and pandemics, a historical approach. Acta Med Colomb [online]. 2021, vol.46, n.3, pp.3-10.  Epub Mar 20, 2022. ISSN 0120-2448.  https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2247.

This is a historical approach to the most important epidemic and pandemic moments, a very relevant topic today given our current healthcare situation. The religious, political, economic and social influences which largely modified the development and final outcome of epidemics throughout human history are analyzed. This review of the history of epidemics and pandemics shows us that diseases like smallpox and measles were very important in ancient times, that the plague and typhus regained prevalence during the Middle Ages, and that influenza (in its various forms: Spanish flu, avian flu, and swine flu) and cholera positioned themselves as the main scourges of the twentieth century, all of them becoming major milestones in the history of medicine. This article shows the importance of microbiology, epidemiology and public health in understanding and having a proper approach to infections. Finally, the author offers a few concluding thoughts on the struggle between the imaginaries of science and belief. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2247).

Keywords : pandemic; epidemic; virus; bacteria; microbiology; epidemiology; belief; science; history.

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