Coronavirus And The Sun: A Lesson From The 1918 Influenza Pandemic

December

12

by Gabriela K // in Health & Beauty

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Coronavirus not only affects people’s physical, but mental health as well causing panic and anxiety. The first COVID-19 case was registered more than two years ago. Spreading with an immense speed, this dangerous disease has taken numerous lives and put the entire world into lockdown. People are searching for the best ways to prevent the virus from spreading and protect themselves. The former president of the US, Donald Trump believed that in springtime the virus would have been under control because of rising temperatures. However, health professionals did not have strong evidence that warmer weather will stop the virus. Dr. R. Robday, an independent researcher of public health, infection control, as well as building design, believes that coronavirus is the same as the previous pandemics that were affected by warmer temperatures. Furthermore, the researcher says that fresh air, direct sun exposure, and face masks will help in lowering the spread of coronavirus. Back in the day in the time of the Spanish flu, people were advised to keep social distance. The countries implemented quarantines too. But, people who spent more time in the open recuperated much better than those who received treatment locked inside. Infections and death were decreased by direct sun and fresh air exposure. These disinfectants given by nature proved to be effective in germs prevention. Soldiers were thought to be the main cause of influenza spreading around the world because they were located in closed military barracks and troopships. One medical officer, when surveilling patients, noticed that those who were seriously sick had been spending time in rooms with bad ventilation. For that reason, he replaced them in tents in front of the hospital building.  The mortality rate in patients with tuberculosis and respiratory diseases decreased to 14% from 40%, thanks to the treatment outside in fresh air. The outdoor treatment proved to provide proper ventilation and a sterile environment for patients. Likewise, during the 1960s, researchers from the Ministry of Defense reported that clean air served as a disinfectant given by nature resulting in health improvement in patients. However, in that era, antibiotics became popular and replaced outdoor treatment. Dr. Hobday explains that sun exposure may have been of help because the influenza virus dies when exposed to the sun. Also, the sun has the power to kill bacteria in hospitals that may lead to lung and other infections. In WWI, military surgeons were aware that sunlight serves as a disinfectant, so they used it to treat infected wounds in humans. However, the surgeons did not know that when patients were outside, the sun helps the creation of vitamin D in the skin. This was important because in the 20s of the previous century it was revealed that vitamin D deficiency may cause infections in the respiratory system and increase the chances of getting influenza. Additionally, research says that human biorhythm influences infection resistance. During the pandemic in 1918, the importance of sunlight in human biorhythm was unknown to humans. A century ago, people wore surgical masks. Nonetheless, they do not provide complete protection since they do not protect the entire face, thus cannot protect us from aerial germs. For that reason, employees in Boston hospital created a gauze mask with five layers. This mask was better for the face and provided cleaner air. People changed masks 12 times in 24 hours. Also, the hygiene was impeccable. They even built temporary outdoor hospitals to prevent the virus from spreading. These measures resulted in lowered virus transmissions and mortality rates. Finally, Dr. Hobdays concluded that nowadays lots of countries in the world are not well-prepared for a serious influenza pandemic. If this scenario becomes real, the health services may collapse. In this case, antiviral drugs and vaccines can be means of help. Pneumonia as well as other complications can be treated with antibiotics. Sadly, there are lots of people around the world who will not be able to get enough antibiotics. Also, Dr. Hobday says that if the COVID-19 crisis becomes worse, or another influenza pandemic happens, it would be very wise for countries to prepare tents and modular hospitals to be able to help enormous numbers of people with serious cases. He adds that sun exposure and fresh air can have a good influence. Sources: Democratic Underground, The Conversation, Politifact
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