#57 - Don't Like Any Disease

 
Polio

All this Covid news has made me curious about past pandemics. I've recently been thinking a lot about Spanish Influenza and Smallpox. After watching CBS Sunday Morning, I've been wondering about Polio. 

How incredibly sad, that Polio affected children more than adults. Seeing this image of a child looking at his parents through a window, reminded me of the photos I've seen of isolated Covid patients. Sad.

Iron Lungs

​The image that haunted me most, was one of a room full of "iron lungs". How terrifying! They look like metal coffins.

It still seems impossible that our world in 2020, is dealing with a pandemic. But when I imagine how hospitals dealt with past diseases, it makes me feel lucky to be alive today. Today's ventilators are like yesterday's iron lungs. Both scare me.

I Love Vaccines

I know there are lots of Anti-Vaxxers out there. But I love vaccines!

It's helpful, to remind myself of the discovery of past vaccines. I was born in 1957, soon after Dr. Salk's polio vaccine had become widely available. I'm glad I didn't suffer from the crippling illness. I could have, if I'd been born just a few years earlier.

All this thought about Polio made me want to talk to others. I called my Dad and asked if he remembered anyone, who dealt with the disease. His adopted sister! I never knew. 

I texted my sister Jennifer, who is only slightly older, but has more connections. She told me a story about a doctor she once went to, who actually dealt with his patients, from inside his iron lung. Unbelievable! Jennifer has a friend, who grew up with an iron lung (her mother's) in her living room.

So today, I remember so many past diseases, with all their complications and I try to be hopeful. I know it may be a year, or 4... or more, before we have a Coronavirus vaccine. But I will cheer and celebrate and take that vaccine whenever I can!
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