The Nature of Epidemics

Epidemics represent a different kind of crisis. I recall events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 financial crisis—all of which escalated rapidly. In contrast, epidemics unfold gradually. Unlike dramatic disasters, they allow daily life to continue while a crisis develops over months.

For instance, the Black Plague is well-documented partly because people had the time to write about their experiences as the pandemic progressed. It took years for the initial outbreak to stabilize into sporadic local incidents.

This gradual unfolding means that while the immediate fear of COVID-19 can be overwhelming, it's impossible to sustain that level of panic over time. Human psychology dictates that our emotions will fluctuate. Therefore, it's crucial to approach this situation as a marathon rather than a sprint; your reactions should be guided by evolving information rather than momentary feelings.

Avoiding Historical Mistakes

During the Black Death, many actions taken were counterproductive. For instance, large religious processions intended to seek divine intervention often exacerbated the spread of disease.

Don't Flee

Attempting to escape from infected areas often led to broader outbreaks, while untested remedies proved dangerous, especially before the advent of evidence-based medicine.

We must learn from these historical blunders. It is vital to heed current public health recommendations, like avoiding gatherings of over 10 people, as mandated by the U.S. federal government.

Fleeing urban areas may seem tempting, but this can lead to the virus spreading to new locations. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to remain where you are during this crisis.

Avoid Superstition

During the Black Death, many believed they were being punished by God, leading to harmful practices like self-flagellation. Such actions not only caused physical harm but also encouraged gatherings, which should be avoided in times of crisis.

While faith is important to many, it should not overshadow the need for practical actions. If you believe in a higher power, taking care of yourself and your community is paramount, which is best achieved by staying home.

Practical Steps to Take

We have all quickly adapted to social distancing measures. While guidelines evolve rapidly, here are some principles from the past that can help us navigate the current crisis.

When the Black Death first struck, cities eventually developed countermeasures like quarantine, a term derived from the Italian "quaranta," meaning forty days.

Heed Public Officials

In 1374, Milan's lord, Bernabo Visconti, issued directives for isolation of those exhibiting symptoms, emphasizing the importance of self-isolation.

This approach was effective because the populace listened. Today, it’s essential to follow the guidance of health officials. They possess insights and information that we may not have access to.

Stay Low-Key

Beyond official recommendations, consider imposing stricter personal guidelines. Minimizing outings to essential needs is wise. Personally, I allocate 1.5 hours daily for outdoor exercise while maintaining social distance.

Reflecting on the words of Petrarch, a medieval philosopher who lived through the plague, reminds us of the importance of sheltering in place during a crisis. He lamented the fate of those who did not heed warnings and suffered the consequences.

Petrarch's insights from the past resonate today as we strive to keep ourselves and our families safe. By taking the necessary precautions, we can navigate this challenging time with wisdom and care.

In this video, personal experiences with COVID-19 are shared, highlighting lessons learned and how to cope with the ongoing pandemic.

This video discusses the essential lessons we've learned about COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, providing valuable insights into public health responses.