The Great Influenza, by John M Barry, chronicles the cataclysm that was the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu pandemic. It follows the efforts of a handful of scientists as they raced to understand the disease that was sweeping across the globe and their desperate quest to develop therapies that could save lives. Barry grippingly captures the horror […]
Gathering During a Pandemic
This year, the holidays are tinged with a note of anxiety. In years past Thanksgiving was a time to gather and nurture old relationships. It was a busy time where I would plan on at least half a dozen feasts between various groups of family and friends. But this year each interaction was carefully weighed […]
First Day on the COVID Ward
I pressed the dome of my N95 solidly onto my face and stretched the tight yellow straps over my head. Next came the face shield—hurriedly 3D printed at a local university when demand had far outpaced the supply—which was hung vigilantly in front of my mask and glasses. I was now ready to enter the […]
