Howard Markel

Howard Markell, a historian and director at the University of Michigan's Center for the History of Medicine, delves into the 1918 flu pandemic's devastating impact. He explores historical letters that reveal a limited understanding of infectious diseases at the time. Markell draws parallels between past and present, particularly in how social distancing and quarantine measures were crucial in both eras. The discussion emphasizes the importance of timely responses in epidemic management, offering a hopeful outlook on resilience and recovery.