Scarlet Fever In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Words: 859
Pages: 4

There are multiple diseases in the world that can cause death within days of having it. One of the most common fatal diseases is scarlet fever. In her novel, Mary Shelley used historical events like scarlet fever to add realism to her horror fiction Frankenstein.
Scarlet fever also known as scarlatina is not the worse disease but it can be deadly if not prevented or treated in time. According to one of the well-known clinics in Arizona “Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops mostly in people with strep throat” (Mayo Clinic Staff). Having strep throat and not seeing a doctor or not having the proper antibiotics to treat it could cause someone to get scarlet fever. Primary student KT Feeney stated that “In the 1800s there were serious
…show more content…
It has been noted by an established novelist writer that during the period in time when medicine was not useful, people would often “lay in bed and try to exfoliate the fever as much as possible” (Coleman). In order to overcome the repugnant illness, it was best to try and get rid of the fever as fast as possible before it turned into the latest stages of scarlet fever. The fever is what brought on things such as chills and nausea. Old fashioned remedies and practices were the only things that could help someone who had scarlet fever during the 19th century. In contrast, today there are different types of medicine and antibiotics that can administer individuals who have scarlet fever. Medical Researcher Edward J Zabawski Jr. said “Treat patients who have scarlet fever with a standard 10-day course of oral penicillin VK or erythromycin” (Zabawski Jr.). Not just any antibiotic can cure the fever. There are certain medications that have to be taken for at least 10 days for the fever to recede. The best way to stay clear of the disease is to take precautions by staying away from those who are infected and by being sanitary. It is highly recommended to “Wash hands often, prevent sharing eating utensils, linens, towels or other personal items” (Luisa Metcalfe). To avoid getting the heinous disease, it is better to stay away from contaminated people altogether. If ever contacted with scarlet fever, there are innumerable amounts of medicines in the world to treat