- Diseases like SARS, MERS, Influenza, Swine Flu, Whooping Cough, Measles, Smallpox and Rubella have what are called "vectors" - ways in which they are easily spread because people are doing something or not doing something. Name a vector (a way in which disease spreads).
- There have been many famous pandemics in the 20th and 21st centuries. Name one. Which countries were affected? Do you know approximately how many people died?
- When was the most recent pandemic affecting Japan? What happened? Were you nervous? Why?
- During this latest outbreak, what precautions did you take? Do you think it was meaningful to do this? Why?
- What did you see other people at work, on TV or locally doing that surprised you?
- Do you think the most recent pandemic was managed well? Why?
Question 1
One of the most common vectors when it comes to contagious diseases would be coughing. Particles of the virus spread when we cough (or even talk) without a mask. For this reason, it is absolutely essential for everyone to wear a surgical mask designed to block virus particles.Question 2
The HIV/AIDS pandemic ravaged both developing and developed countries since the 1970s. It affected countries in Africa such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Malawi all the way to Asian countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. More than 33 million people across the globe have died. That's even more than the entire population of Australia!Question 3
The most recent pandemic that took a toll on Japan is the COVID-19 that arrived earlier in January. The virus was initially found in the province of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in China. Ever since its conception, the virus spread like wildfire and made its way to Japan at the beginning of 2020. I was nervous as I wasn't in Japan at that time. I feared that I wouldn't be able to return to Japan due to the travel restrictions that were about to be issued by the government. There were more and more people who contracted the virus, so I naturally became even more anxious.Question 4
During the past 8 months, I have been wearing face masks whenever I go outside of my house. I believe that it is meant to prevent further spread of the disease. When it comes to my overall health, I have been taking 1000mg of vitamin C every day to keep my immune system strong as iron!Question 5
I was surprised when I see protests done by people who don't want to wear face masks. Most of them are saying that not wearing a face mask is part of their freedom as a citizen. I was dumbfounded by some people's way of thinking!Question 6
I think that the answer varies from one country to another. Japan has proved to manage the recent outbreak efficiently. Safety precautions were made during the peak of the pandemic and strict regulations were imposed.Tough Vocabulary
| - English - | - Japanese - |
|---|---|
| Particle | 粒子 |
| Ravage | 破壊 |
| Conception | 受胎 |
| Anxious | 気になる |
| Contracted | 感染した |
| Dumbfounded | びっくりした |
| Precautions | 予防 |