[Love] American Disease & Medicine in 1980's through today (2012) - Research Paper Example

American Disease and Medicine from 1980’s through today American disease and medicine has been through bad and good times. Since the late 1970’s and entry into the 1980’s, there is a large number of emerging pathogens which are threatening the life of people. Scientists have been working relentlessly to provide solutions to these problems. In addition, some pathogens have been developing resistance to drugs that were previously effective. On a positive note, the period from 1980 to today has seen the invention of vaccines and the understanding of the biochemical nature of threatening microorganisms.

A better understanding of the processes gets the researchers closer to developing an effective drug. On the same note, diseases previously considered fatal have a cure in the current times.The worst virus that hit the disease and medicine department is the emergence of the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV). This virus emerged in the mid 1980’s. Scientists got into work immediately to establish the nature of the microorganism that was making its victims prone to other diseases. HIV has proved a real monster to America and the rest of the world.

The Centre for Disease Control has spent time and money in a bid to establish a cure for HIV that is threatening to take America down. However, the investment into research and time has been positive. The 1990’s saw scientists understand the virus and its biochemistry, transmission and possible prevention techniques. Today, anti-retroviral drugs enable patients to lead improved lives (Fauci 13).In the 1980’s, some tuberculosis strains proved resistant to the existing drugs. This caused dilemma to the scientists as they did not understands how resistance had resulted.

Consistent research has been going on over time to establish the causes of resistance. The Centre for Disease Control works relentlessly to address the issue and lay down strategies of containing patients to curb more infections (Salaam-Blyther 10). Currently, drugs are available for the resistant strains and easier and earlier diagnosis to reduce severity of the cases. Tuberculosis is still posing a threat especially in association with HIV. The Centre for Disease Control has been working on developing vaccines for various diseases.

Some breakthroughs into vaccine production occurred in the 1980’s. Vaccines for Hepatitis B and avian virus proved efficient in the 1980’s. The starts of the 1980-decade saw the World Health Organization declare the eradication of small pox. The attention, of the American Centre for Disease Control has shifted its attention to address the emergence of multiple non-communicable diseases. These account for more than 60% of annual death rates. Non-communicable diseases include cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailments, and respiratory diseases.

The focus is to lay strategies on to prevent and manage these diseases. There are many types of cancer that have evolved over time ranging from breast, prostate, lung, colon, cervix, and throat cancers. Diabetes is more rampant than before. High blood pressure and heart ailments are very common. Non-communicable diseases are causing a strain to the American economy because they are rampant in affluent countries (Maio 04). These diseases are a result of unhealthy lifestyles and genetics contribute to a very small extend.

The American lifestyle of diet, rampant obesity, and lack of exercise contributes greatly to the emergence of these diseases. The American community is currently facing the challenge of how to prevent, manage, and cope with the non-communicable chronic diseases. It has to balance its attention on the infectious diseases as well.Work CitedFauci, Antony. Emerging and Re-emerging diseases: The Perpetual Challenge. Web 22, Feb. 2012. http://www.milbank.org/reports/0601fauci/0601Fauci.pdfMaio, Fernando.

Understanding chronic non-communicable diseases in Latin America: Towards equity-based research agenda. Web 22, Feb. 2012. http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/content/pdf/1744-8603-7-36.pdfSalaam-Blyther, Tiaji. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Global Health Programs: FY2001-FY2012 Request. Web 22, Feb. 2012. http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40239.pdf