Evaluate historical, culturally diverse and current strategies

Evaluate historical, culturally diverse and current strategies to predict and control the spread of disease (ACSBL125)

Evolution of prediction and control of diseases from medieval times to present:

The Medieval Times:

  • In medieval times, lack of proper diagnosis methods and techniques limited knowledge about the causes of disease leaving very feeble chance of preventing it.
  • Most of the treatment methods included herbal remedies. Sometimes, doctors relied on astrology to treat their patients.
  • Different religious faiths were in vogue regarding a disease being persistent in a human. Some religion taught that illness was a punishment for evil. They were suspicious of anything scientific, as it might challenge the authority of the religion.
  • Some doctors did not even diagnose a patient with a fear of catching a disease himself. Thus, “doctors” had a very poor status during early times.

The Early 18th and 19th centuries:

  • During the late 18th and 19th centuries, a more scientific approach to the study of medicine was adopted. Scientists and medical professionals began to use observations, carry out experiments and record their findings.
  • Though many doctors still based their treatment on the four humours, the works of Galen and other ancient writers gradually became less important.
  • The greatest medical development before 1850 was the discovery of smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner. He was, therefore, a pioneer in preventive medicine.

Late 19th century to today:

  • Vaccination methods were improved and today vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases.
  • Various public health acts have improved living conditions. Sewage systems, clean water supplies and refuse collection have all helped combat disease.
  • Improved education and government campaigns have made the public more aware of the causes of disease.
  • Better diets and fresh food the year round have made people healthier and able to fight off disease.
  • Since its creation in 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) has put much emphasis on prevention. Campaigns against smoking and to promote healthier eating, research into diseases and far greater emphasis on maternity and child welfare have all helped prevent disease.
  • Advances in Genetic Engineering techniques may introduce more prevention methods which are still a mystery.

Extract from HSC Biology Stage 6 Syllabus. © 2017 Board of Studies NSW.

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Evaluate historical, culturally diverse and current strategies to predict and control the spread of disease (ACSBL125)

Evolution of prediction and control of diseases from medieval times to present:

The Medieval Times:

  • In medieval times, lack of proper diagnosis methods and techniques limited knowledge about the causes of disease leaving very feeble chance of preventing it.
  • Most of the treatment methods included herbal remedies. Sometimes, doctors relied on astrology to treat their patients.
  • Different religious faiths were in vogue regarding a disease being persistent in a human. Some religion taught that illness was a punishment for evil. They were suspicious of anything scientific, as it might challenge the authority of the religion.
  • Some doctors did not even diagnose a patient with a fear of catching a disease himself. Thus, “doctors” had a very poor status during early times.

The Early 18th and 19th centuries:

  • During the late 18th and 19th centuries, a more scientific approach to the study of medicine was adopted. Scientists and medical professionals began to use observations, carry out experiments and record their findings.
  • Though many doctors still based their treatment on the four humours, the works of Galen and other ancient writers gradually became less important.
  • The greatest medical development before 1850 was the discovery of smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner. He was, therefore, a pioneer in preventive medicine.

Late 19th century to today:

  • Vaccination methods were improved and today vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases.
  • Various public health acts have improved living conditions. Sewage systems, clean water supplies and refuse collection have all helped combat disease.
  • Improved education and government campaigns have made the public more aware of the causes of disease.
  • Better diets and fresh food the year round have made people healthier and able to fight off disease.
  • Since its creation in 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) has put much emphasis on prevention. Campaigns against smoking and to promote healthier eating, research into diseases and far greater emphasis on maternity and child welfare have all helped prevent disease.
  • Advances in Genetic Engineering techniques may introduce more prevention methods which are still a mystery.

Extract from HSC Biology Stage 6 Syllabus. © 2017 Board of Studies NSW.