ASB 301 MODULE 4 DISCUSSION: Outbreak!

Introduction to ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion

The ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion: Outbreak! analyzes historical pandemics or epidemics to identify significant public health transformations or social responses. You will also reflect on lessons from these past events to navigate current pandemic challenges. This How-To ASB 301 Guide will help you systematically approach each part of the ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion: Outbreak!

Selecting a Past Pandemic or Epidemic

We will select a pandemic to start the ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion: Outbreak!

I am choosing the Pandemic of 2020 COVID-19.

• Research and Identify: Choose a past pandemic or epidemic significantly impacting public health or society.
• Criteria for Selection: Consider the scope, mortality rate, and long-term effects on public health policies or social structures.

• Review Course Materials: Review the course’s lectures, readings, and other resources.
• Select Relevant Examples: Pick specific examples that demonstrate the impact of the chosen pandemic on public health or social responses.
• Cite Properly: Use the required citation format (APA, MLA, etc.) as specified by your instructor.

Example

For this discussion, I have chosen the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. This pandemic, unique in its scale and global impact, has left an indelible mark on public health and society. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, began in late 2019 and swiftly spread worldwide, significantly altering public health and societal norms. (Hsu et al., 2020)The scope of COVID-19 is unparalleled in recent history, with millions of infections and deaths globally. Its mortality rate and long-term effects on public health policies and social structures make it a critical subject for analysis. For instance, the pandemic has led to the widespread adoption of remote work, strict hygiene protocols in public spaces, and the reorganization of healthcare systems to prioritize COVID-19 response.

Tell us which past pandemic or epidemic led to the most critical public health transformation or other social response. Cite specific examples from the course materials as evidence to support your argument.

Analyzing Public Health Transformation or Social Response

Next, we will analyze the transformation of public health.

• Define Key Transformations: Identify significant changes in public health policies or social behaviors resulting from the pandemic.
• Use Evidence: Support your analysis with specific examples and data from course materials.
• Be Analytical: Discuss why these transformations were significant and how they addressed the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Example

Course materials highlight the extensive impact of COVID-19 on various sectors. For example, lectures on global health responses and readings on pandemic preparedness provide valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of the pandemic. One key example is the rapid development and deployment of vaccines (Adil et al., 2021). The accelerated vaccine development process and the subsequent mass vaccination campaigns are unprecedented in scale and speed, showcasing significant advancements in public health responses. According to APA guidelines, proper citation of course materials is crucial. For instance, “The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines represents a significant milestone in public health, demonstrating the potential for rapid response in future pandemics” (Sriram & Insel, 2021).

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to critical public health transformations and social responses. Significant changes include establishing telehealth services, widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing social distancing measures. These transformations have altered the healthcare delivery landscape and everyday social interactions. Telehealth services have expanded significantly, allowing patients to receive medical care without in-person visits. This shift has improved healthcare access, especially for remote or underserved areas. Telehealth has also played a crucial role in reducing the burden on hospitals and clinics, as it mitigates the need for physical contact, protecting healthcare providers and patients.

Learning from Past Social Responses

This section will explore what we have learned from past social responses.

• Identify Lessons: Reflect on past social responses to pandemics and extract critical lessons.

• Apply to Current Context: Discuss how these lessons are relevant to the current pandemic.
• Example: Highlight how community solidarity during the HIV/AIDS crisis can inform current social support mechanisms during COVID-19.
• Contextualize Lessons: Relate past lessons to specific aspects of the current pandemic.
• Propose Actions: Based on these lessons, suggest practical measures individuals, communities, or societies can take.
• Use Evidence: Support your suggestions with examples from both historical and current contexts.

Example

Past social responses to pandemics provide valuable lessons for navigating the current pandemic. One critical lesson from the HIV/AIDS crisis is the importance of community solidarity and support networks. These elements were vital in managing the crisis and can be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community support mechanisms, such as mutual aid groups, have been crucial during COVID-19. These groups provide resources and support to those in need, fostering resilience and solidarity. During the HIV/AIDS crisis, community organizations played a crucial role in providing care and advocating for patients. Similarly, during COVID-19, mutual aid groups and volunteer networks have emerged to support vulnerable populations. This underscores the power of community action and the potential for individuals to make a difference in times of crisis. (To et al., 2021). These lessons highlight the importance of local-level initiatives in managing public health crises. Strengthening local public health infrastructure can enhance community resilience and response capabilities. Practical measures include enhancing community health education, investing in local healthcare facilities, and promoting volunteerism. These actions can build a robust public health system capable of responding to future pandemics. Historical successes, such as establishing community health centers during past epidemics, underscore the need for strong local public health infrastructure. This emphasizes the security and stability that a solid local health system can provide in times of crisis. (Sriram & Insel, 2021).

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven significant public health transformations and underscored the importance of community responses. By learning from past pandemics and applying these lessons to the present, societies can better navigate ongoing and future public health challenges. Investing in local health infrastructure, a cornerstone of effective crisis management, and fostering community support are essential to building a resilient public health system. To summarize, the pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid response, the importance of community solidarity, and the role of local health infrastructure in crisis management.

Students must post a response to two other classmates’ initial posts that are no more than 50-100 words and engage in critical or substantive ways with the initial post (e.g., exemplar, critique, question).

Peer Responses

Responding to peers is one of the vital parts of the ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion: Outbreak!. We need to provide at least two peer responses. I will provide one example post. You can write your peer responses by keeping the below points in mind.

• Read Classmates’ Posts: Carefully review the initial posts made by your classmates.
• Engage Critically: Provide constructive feedback, raise questions, or offer additional insights.
• Keep it Brief: Ensure your responses are concise (50-100 words) and directly address the content of the initial post.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: Aim for meaningful engagement to meet the grading criteria.

Example

Response 01

Hey Sara, nice post! Your analysis of COVID-19’s impact is comprehensive. The emphasis on telehealth expansion is particularly relevant, as it has improved healthcare access, especially in remote areas. Your discussion of community solidarity and support mechanisms echoes the successful strategies from the HIV/AIDS crisis, highlighting their continued relevance. Enhancing local public health infrastructure and fostering volunteerism are crucial steps toward building a resilient system. As you pointed out, these measures are essential for effective crisis management and future pandemic preparedness.

Response 02

We are supposed to write two peer responses. I have addressed the given instructions in one response. Following these instructions, you can write your peer responses to Module 4 Discussion without a hassle.

Closing

The ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion: Outbreak! encourages a deep dive into historical pandemics to understand their transformative effects on public health and society. By analyzing these past events and drawing lessons for the present, you can develop a well-rounded perspective on managing current and future health crises. Engaging with classmates through peer responses further enriches the learning experience by fostering critical discussion and diverse viewpoints. By following this How-To Owlisdom Guide, you can systematically and effectively complete the ASB 301 Module 4 Discussion on the global history of health, ensuring a thorough and insightful analysis backed by course materials and critical engagement.

References

Adil, M. T., Rahman, R., Whitelaw, D., Jain, V., Al-Taan, O., Rashid, F., Munasinghe, A., & Jambulingam, P. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic of COVID-19. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 97(1144), 110–116.https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles/2131478 

Hsu, L. Y., Chia, P. Y., & Lim, J. F. (2020). The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Ann Acad Med Singap, 49(3), 105–107.https://www.annals.edu.sg/pdf/49VolNo3Mar2020/V49N3p105.pdf 

Sriram, K., & Insel, P. A. (2021). Inflammation and thrombosis in COVID-19 pathophysiology: Proteinase-activated and purinergic receptors as drivers and candidate therapeutic targets. Physiological Reviews, 101(2), 545–567.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468867323000408 

To, K. K.-W., Sridhar, S., Chiu, K. H.-Y., Hung, D. L.-L., Li, X., Hung, I. F.-N., Tam, A. R., Chung, T. W.-H., Chan, J. F.-W., & Zhang, A. J.-X. (2021). Lessons learned one year after SARS-CoV-2 emergence leading to COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 10(1), 507–535.