Lessons from Past Epidemics and Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic was the first major, truly global pandemic since the Great Influenza pandemic of 1918 and, as such, drew numerous comparisons to the infamous pandemic a century ago. These comparisons also prompted people to speculate whether we had learned anything about pandemic response since 1918. The short answer to this is a “yes.” We have made tremendous scientific advancements and improved communication and technology.