The Victorian Era: A Time of Disease and Distress – Common Symptoms to Look Out For

During the Victorian era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, many people experienced a range of diseases and ailments. This period, known for its industrialization and advancements in science and technology, also had some significant health issues. The people of this time faced illness and distress that caused much suffering, and some patients didn’t even know what they were ailing from. In this article, we’ll look at some of the common symptoms and indicators of diseases from the Victorian era.

Tuberculosis

One of the most extensively documented and well-known Victorian ailments is tuberculosis (TB). Characterized by a persistent cough, fever, and loss of appetite, it was highly contagious, making it easy to spread through the air. As the disease progressed, an infected person would experience shortness of breath, sweating, and fatigue. Despite its widespread prevalence, Victorian physicians were mostly unable to diagnose and treat TB, and many suffered and died from it.

Malaria

Malaria was another significant health problem in the Victorian era. Spread by mosquitos, it caused chills, fevers, and headaches. On the other hand, there was a lot of ignorance on how the disease was spread, and it took a long time for people to understand the role of mosquitos in the transmission of malaria. Especially in tropical climates, the incidence was such that it hindered the aspired economic growth.

Cholera

In the Victorian era, the infamous cholera outbreaks were extremely contagious and rapidly transmitted through contaminated water. Cholera caused intense abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and ultimately, death. Water-borne diseases were in a primitive age, and preventative measures like clean water were unavailable.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever was another condition common in Victorian times, oftentimes affecting children between the ages of 2 and 10 years. Identified by a pink-colored rash on the skin, the bacterial infection also brought a high fever, sore throat, headaches, and abdominal pain. Antibiotics to fight the infection didn’t exist at that time, so contracting Scarlet Fever was seen as a potentially fatal diagnosis.

Conclusion

The Victorian era was a time of great progress in many aspects, but it was also a time of disease and distress. We have outlined some of the common diseases and their symptoms that were prevalent during that time. As medical advancements continued, it eventually became possible to diagnose and treat these conditions more effectively. This era serves as a reminder of how far the medical profession has come in disease prevention and treatment, yet it highlights the paramount importance of preventing outbreaks and remaining vigilant against new diseases that will always loom around the corner.