Friday, March 27, 2020 – Covid-19 vs. 19th Century Medicine

I always thought the stories of plague and/or virus affecting the worldwide population were science fiction. I certainly never dreamed it was real and would happen in my lifetime. Living today is like living in the 19th century when using leeches was a common medical practice. In fact, Covid-19 is our modern-day leech, bleeding our economy dry and sucking the life out of thousands of people. It feels like scientists now seem to know as much about Covid-19 as the 19th century medical establishment knew about curing disease. So many people hold doctors in high esteem, thinking their wisdom is irrefutable. This virus is a wake-up call for all of us that medical professionals are human too. Apparently, things exist they have never seen before.

Still, scientists and medical professionals have more knowledge about the virus than the rest of us. We see stories of those laying their lives on the line for their patients, working with limited equipment and supplies. There is not a group of people that is more dedicated and selfless. They are not in business simply to make as much money as they can. Compassion and caring wins out over personal profit every time. So, we must trust their judgement and hope that these devoted servants will employ every ounce of their intellects to develop a cure for this insidious disease.