Things Have Always Been Terrible

A series in which I make you feel less lonely, realizing how many other pandemics humans have lived through. Florence Plague of 1417 Now that’s what I call a plague! When I thought pandemic, I thought Europe, olden times, and complete ignorance of how diseases spread. If you’ve been waiting for a CLASSIC plague, this […]

Things Have Always Been Terrible

A series in which I make you feel less lonely, realizing how many other pandemics humans have lived through. Philippine Beriberi Epidemic of 1901-1902 and 1909 We’ve got a new disease today! Beriberi. To me it sounds like someone talking to a kid in a wubba wubba voice, “Is that your bearie-wearie?” But no. Beriberi […]

Things Have Always Been Terrible

A series in which I make you feel less lonely, realizing how many other pandemics humans have lived through. Japanese Smallpox Epidemic of 735-737 Are you afraid of dogs? Are you afraid of the color red? Have you ever been soothed by a lion dance? Have you considered that you might be a smallpox virus? […]

Things Have Always Been Terrible

A series in which I make you feel less lonely, realizing how many other pandemics humans have lived through. African Cholera Pandemic of 1989-91 Let’s start with some good news: in 1989, when this pandemic broke out, more people had more access to oral rehydration. But there continued to be issues getting people medicine and […]