Beware of Misunderstood Narratives

The narrative surrounding public health crises often reflects oversimplified or misinterpreted historical events, leading to persistent fears that are not entirely warranted. The Spanish flu, widely feared for its devastating impact, is misunderstood; much of its lethality stemmed from harmful treatments such as overdose of aspirin and subsequent bacterial pneumonia that could now be easily managed with antibiotics. Similarly, polio is often feared despite the reality that 95 to 99% of cases are asymptomatic. These insights challenge the prevailing narratives that drive public anxiety and suggest that current perceptions of health threats may be exaggerated.