April atmore magazine

From previous page
the coronavirus to be no worse than a cold or a flu. Not
only is this inaccurate information, but there is no current
treatment for the coronavirus while there is treatment for
the flu virus. Furthermore, the death rate among seniors
and those with pre-existing conditions is higher than with
the flu.
Others have asserted the virus is a hoax; yet the dead
in Italy, Iran, China and elsewhere beg to differ.
Similar to the coronavirus, there was confusion over
the Spanish Flu in 1918-1919 and what efforts could be
taken to avoid catching the deadly contagion. The
Tuscaloosa News reported on November 8, 1918 that
the Public Health Service recommended that people
avoid those who were spreading the disease by
coughing, sneezing and spitting. They also suggested
coating the nasal passages with a weak solution of
Menthol in liquid petroleum as a protective.
The flu pandemic of 1918-1919 lasted until sufficient
immunity developed in the general population and the
disease seemed to disappear as mysteriously as it
appeared.
History will judge our leaders and ourselves for our
actions during the uncertain days that lay ahead. We do
have the ability to know how previous pandemics were
handled by our ancestors and what seemed to work and
what did not. Whether the actions of those in power today
are appropriate or not enough is often left to be decided
by generations yet to come.
It can be hard to predict the outcome and severity of
today's coronavirus, even with the hindsight of history as
our guide. Yet as Jesus said in Matthew 24:32-33, “Now
learn the parable of the fig tree: When his branch is yet
tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is
nigh: So likewise ye, when you shall see all these things,
know that it is near, even at the doors.” Jesus was
speaking of the end times. Our modern times require
us to remain vigilant to ourselves and our families.
Stay safe.
A wartime ad equating the flu as a dangerous weapon
of war from the Monroe Journal
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