Pandemics.
Definition of Pandemics: (of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area.
From: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pandemic
From: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pandemic
Pandemics have been in existence around the world throughout the course of history as we know it. From the black plague to ebola, pandemics have always been a problem around the world; no matter how technologically advanced we are. On this website, we have chosen two pandemics: the Smallpox Virus and the Ebola virus- one that has been eliminated (Smallpox) and the other one that is still in action (Ebola). We hope that by the end of you viewing this page, you will be more informed about pandemics and how we might use social psychology to help people gain a greater understanding of it.
Top 10 Worst Pandemics:
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Australia’s Health Management Plan For a Pandemic Influenza: (AHMPPI)
This plan that was developed by the Australian Government was because of the latest Pandemic that had reached Australia in 2009; the H1N1 virus. This plan has also helped with the development for other Pandemic plans around the world. Before H1N1 came into Australia, the AHMPPI was substantially different to how it is today. So that’s why when the government viewed what our response was to the virus, it influenced the change of some things in the plan. Some of the key differences/changes to our approach are:
- wherever possible, use of existing systems and governance mechanisms, particularly those for seasonal influenza as the basis of the response;
- application of a flexible approach, which can be scaled and varied to meet the needs experienced at the time;
- evidence-based decision making;
- strong linkages with emergency response arrangements;
- an emphasis on communications activities as a key tool in management of the response;
- provision of detailed guidance on the collection of national surveillance data; and
- the potential to apply the plan to seasonal influenza, if it threatens to overwhelm health systems.
Ebola
First discovered in 1976, it is now one of the most infamous Pandemics of today; the biggest problem in Western Africa. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the approximately five thousand confirmed or suspect cases is only just a third of the actual death toll, bringing it up to fifteen thousand. At the moment, up to 90% of Ebola victims die, only days after the actual virus symptoms appearing, making it hard for doctors to identify and seclude the people who are suspected of having the virus. Since the discovery of the virus, this is the largest and most complex outbreak; only starting in March 2014.
The only way though to catch the virus is through being in direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids such as blood, urine and saliva. The Effects and Symptoms of Ebola:
How do we prevent and control the spread of the Ebola virus? To ensure that the virus is prevented and controlled, we need to make sure that there is good surveillance on the suspects, laboratories, good protective and safety measures, safe burial sites, but most importantly, there has to be community engagement and cooperation in order for all of these to work. Here are some other main factors that we need to take into consideration in order to help with preventing and controlling the spread of the Ebola virus:
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Smallpox
How can I keep from Getting Smallpox?
In the case that Smallpox is reintroduced into the world they are some procedures you should follow. If the area you are currently residing in seems to have sick people. The first step would be quarantining those suspected of having contracted the virus. They should be isolated, given medicine and food by someone wearing protective clothing. Visiting the sick should be restricted and those who come in close proximity should be separately isolated to avoid further spreading. Listening to government instructions via media will help you in this situation. Especially if the people in your neighbourhood seemed to have contracted the virus. If you are fortunate enough to be in an area that has yet to see the virus you should avoid crowded public areas. It would also be best to refrain from using public transport and services, as you put yourself at risk. Everyday you should wash thoroughly and carry out the correct hygiene proceedings. Drinking plenty of water and eating immune boosting food will help greatly. Altering your diet for the better will provide you with a greater chance of immunity. You should also steer clear of areas where the pathogen is present. Travelling overseas will only spread the contagion and must be avoided at all costs. What are the signs and symptoms of the smallpox? Smallpox has a myriad of symptoms that are common in those who have contracted the disease. Symptoms will usually be noticable 12 to 14 days after infection. Some of these symptoms are fatigue, fever, discomfort, severe back pain and vomiting. In the first 2 to 3 days blisters also become visible. Then roughly 7 days later blisters expand and fill with pus. Then 12 days in blisters crust over or develop skin caps. Eventually 3-4 weeks after scabs form and leave scars. During all this time, pain is taking place. |
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People are afraid of pandemics: how can we use psychology to solve this?
We can use different theories of social psychology to solve this by first identifying the attitudes and behaviours people have towards pandemics. This may include fear, panic, suspicion and stress; the common behaviors of people in the area of the outbreak. Secondly, we must educate them about the pandemic and use different theories of psychology to help change their point of view, this may take a long period of time considering that some people may be going through pre traumatic stress and panic at the time. But by using different techniques of attitude/behavior change (LINK), we can help alter their perspective and may possibly calm their thoughts about the pandemic; causing more community co-operation which can help the government do their job without delay.
Using cognitive dissonance we can educate society about why diseases should not be feared and how to act appropriately if the situation was to occur.This is something the government will have to implement into the schooling criteria. If we taught students how to behave under the circumstances one can argue they will prepared. Having a prepared attitude will relinquish some of the stress and trauma that these situations bring. When they have to act they will thinking something like “I know what to do” rather than “I can’t handle this”. This change of thinking was because they were able to rationalize the situation in calmer and prepared way. When people know to what extent a virus or disease will affect them they will think in a more educated manner. This is touching on the fundamental attribution error. Giving them an idea to what will happen will help increase their readiness.This readiness will help them deal with the situation more rationally. How we can prepare them for these situations? Well, one method of action could be doing drills where students have to reenact the situation. Another technique we can apply is using rational persuasion. We can inform society through media and schools that panicking, screaming and being fearful of others isn’t very rational. When we learn about how this unhelpful behaviour only causes further issues. Educating others about this will help to change their perspective. Using the three theories mentioned above it is possible to change fearful attitudes about pandemics. |
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