The COVID-19 Pandemic: Echoes of Ancient Rome Pandemics

Abstract

Roman and American physicians treated novel pandemics without existing cures or vaccines with similar protocols. Methodology: Historiography and conceptual analysis of the writings of physicians in ancient and modern times. Results: Ancient and modern physicians used a similar protocol for the study of unfamiliar pandemics. This protocol included: 1) subjective information from the patients, 2) the objective findings of physicians, 3) assessment of these findings and their correlation with other patients with similar subjective and objective data, 4) formulating a treatment plan. They also used a similar protocol for treatment of novel pandemics. This protocol included: 1) Mitigation, 2) Treatment of symptoms, and 3) Experimentation with novel therapies. Conclusion: Roman and American physicians treated novel pandemics without existing cures with similar protocols. The change involves modern vaccines, serums, scientific testing methods, personal protective equipment, advanced therapies, and mechanical devices unknown to the ancient Romans. © Common Ground Research Networks, Valentine J. Belfiglio, Some Rights Reserved