In early 2020 an invisible enemy named COVID-19 an RNA Virus attacked all of mankind overnight. The world has never experienced a shift in health and economic instability like this, not even during the Spanish Flu Pandemic which occurred between the Spring/Summer of 1918 and 1919.  The Spanish Flu infected approximately 500 million people causing a loss of upwards of over 50 million people. There are some differences between the two pandemics, including what is noted by Dr. Mark Schleiss, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota; the Spanish Flu was believed to infect adults 20 – 40 years of age. Dr. Schleiss is quoted as saying  “The 1918 pandemic strain influenza was new and novel for most people under the age of 40 or 50, but that’s where the death rate really was high—that’s different than the usual flu” . COVID-19 has been known to affect those 60 years and older, people with compromised immune systems, and diabetics.

In November 2007 Thomas A. Garrett Assistant Vice President and Economist Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis wrote “Economic Effects of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic Implications for a Modern-day Pandemic” https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/files/pdfs/community-development/research-reports/pandemic_flu_report.pdf His research was limited as records and findings were not kept, however he says “Most of the evidence indicates that the economic effects of the 1918 influenza pandemic were short-term. Many businesses, especially those in the service and entertainment industries, suffered double-digit losses in revenue. Other businesses that specialized in health care products experienced an increase in revenues.

As devasting as COVID-19 is there is hope for all! Unlike 1918/1919 - 101 years later we are living in a world of technology. The worlds most renowned doctors and researchers have dedicated hours and days developing on therapy drugs and a vaccine. With world-wide cooperation from pharmaceutical companies it is believed that a vaccine will be in place by the end of the year.  

For now - let’s Practice Social Distancing and Stay Safe & Healthy!