Pandemics of the past: A narrative review.

Uzma Khan, Roopa Mehta, Mohammad Ali Arif, Om J Lakhani

Journal: JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 2021;70(Suppl 3)(5):S34-S37

PMID: 32515373

Abstract

Infectious diseases resulting in epidemics and pandemics have moulded human history and continue to do so even today. Cholera, plague, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and influenza have been some of the most brutal killers. The advancement of medical science has helped us win the war against several of these deadly agents. However, despite all our efforts, new agents continue to emerge. Studying the pandemics of the past helps us respond better to those affecting the globe today. In this narrative review, we present the greatest pandemics of the past, and discuss how the lessons from history may aid us in preparing for the future.

Address: Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Rd, Coventry, West Midlands U.K.; Instituto Nacional de CienciasMedicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City.; Department of Medicine, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University/Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.; Department of Endocrinology, Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, India.

DOI: 10.5455/JPMA.11

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https://assays.cancer.gov/CPTAC-1242

MeSH Terms: Civil Defense, Communicable Diseases, Emerging, Global Health, History, Humans, Pandemics, World Health Organization