Health and Medicine - Introduction (SOCI 1306)

Health and Medicine SOCI 1306 Introduction A "mystery" hemorrhagic fever epidemic struck Liberia and Sierra Leone on March 19, 2014. Later, the source of this outbreak was identified as Ebola, a virus that was initially identified in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 28,000 individuals were ill and over 11,000 people died as a result of the 2014–2016 outbreak (CDC 2020). The pandemic was horrifying and sad for the people of West Africa. The epidemic did not alter people's behaviour, but it did escalate tensions throughout most of the rest of the world. One suggested strategy to curb the disease's spread was to impose restrictions on flights from West Africa, as infection of American medical personnel (both at home and in West Africa) caused mistrust and anxiety. U.S. missionary medical personnel who contracted the virus in West Africa and were sent home for treatment were the ones who brought Ebola into the country initially. In the years that followed, West Africa saw several more Ebola epidemics that claimed thousands of lives. The inhabitants of West Africa faced another plague six years after the devastating pandemic of 2014, but they were not alone this time. In a few months, the coronavirus epidemic swept the world. The sickness afflicted everyone, even if some nations handled it considerably better than others. The United States, China, and Italy—all highly industrialised nations—were the outbreak's initial hubs. Later rises were seen in Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The majority of nations implemented what were seen as drastic measures: they closed their borders, made businesses and schools close, and drastically changed the lives of their citizens. Some countries even went so far as to shut down entirely when only a small number of instances were found. Certain nations exhibited inconsistent reactions, often leading to elevated infection rates and substantial fatalities. For instance, government figures and sizable segments of the populace in Brazil and the US opposed efforts to restrict the virus. Prior to the widespread availability of vaccinations, the two nations had the highest rates of coronavirus deaths globally. Has the world learnt anything from the Ebola virus outbreaks? Did some elements of it learn, or not? The government of the United States, along with many other European nations, shut down travel before the globe saw the worst COVID-19 epidemic. While this was undoubtedly a significant step, other actions fell short; contradictory messages regarding mask wear and social distancing turned into political weapons during the nation's presidential election; and isolated outbreaks and increases in fatalities were consistently linked to gatherings that defied medical advice. Brazil's president aggressively disregarded medical advice, disapproved of travel and business restrictions, and had disagreements with many members of his own government, including his political allies. As a result of Brazil's slower vaccination rate than the United States, the country experienced a sharp rise in cases and fatalities at the same time that the United States' numbers began to drop. The effects extended well beyond physical health, as acknowledged by both proponents and opponents of stringent limitations. Families devastated by a loved one's passing had to bear the suffering alone, without family members to console them during memorial services or other events. While many who recovered from the virus had significant health challenges, others who put off necessary treatments experienced more severe complications than they would have otherwise. Anxiety, seclusion, and damaged familial ties contributed to emotional issues. Many households experienced income losses. Unexpected changes in educational procedures undoubtedly have an influence on learning. It's possible that the full effects won't become clear for years after the pandemic is contained. What does "health" mean to you now that the coronavirus epidemic has passed? Do you think differently about it now than you did before COVID-19? Numerous individuals who had serious illnesses or passed away because to COVID-19 also had co-occurring conditions, or comorbidities, such as obesity and hypertension. Do you know someone whose perspectives on their overall health have changed? Do you know anyone who has varying degrees of mistrust for the government and varying degrees of reluctance to follow medical or scientific advice? If there is ever another pandemic, what do you believe will be the most effective strategy to stop disease and fatalities? The methodical study of health and sickness, disease and disorders, and treatment for the sick and well is known as medical sociology. The social, psychological, and physiological aspects of health and sickness are studied by medical sociologists. The doctor-patient interaction, the socioeconomics and organisation of healthcare, and the influence of culture on health and illness attitudes are among the main subjects covered by medical sociologists.