Epidemics and Pandemics

A Historical Approach

Abstract

A historical approach of the most important moments of epidemics and pandemics is presented, since it is a very relevant topic nowadays due to the sanitary situation that is affecting us. The religious, political, economic and social influences that largely modified the development and final result of epidemics in different periods of humanity are analyzed. This review of the history of epidemics and pandemics shows us that diseases such as smallpox and measles were very important in antiquity, that plague and typhus claimed preponderance during the Middle Ages, and that in the 20th century influenza (in its different manifestations: Spanish flu, avian flu and swine flu) and cholera became the main scourges, all of them becoming major milestones in the history of medicine. The importance of microbiology, epidemiology and public health in the understanding and proper approach to infections is shown. Finally, some reflections on the struggle of imaginaries, between science and belief, are offered