Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What was a key effect of the Spanish influenza according to osteopathic practice?

1. Increase in mortality rates

2. Reduction in morbidity and mortality

3. Establishment of state licensing

4. Publication of medical education reports

The correct answer is: Reduction in morbidity and mortality

The impact of the Spanish influenza pandemic on osteopathic practice is primarily recognized through the reduction in morbidity and mortality as a key effect. This outcome can be attributed to several factors that underline the osteopathic approach to health. Osteopathic physicians utilized a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the body's ability to heal itself. By promoting the importance of preventative care and utilizing manipulation therapy, osteopaths were able to enhance patients' immune response, which mitigated the severity of illness for many during the pandemic. Additionally, this period highlighted the benefits of osteopathic principles, such as the significance of wellness and the body's interconnected systems. The successes seen in terms of morbidity and mortality during the pandemic helped to solidify the reputation of osteopathy as a valuable medical approach, emphasizing the role of osteopathic medicine in promoting health and managing disease effectively.