Final answer:
Flattening the curve is important to prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed, which could lead to higher mortality rates. COVID-19 pandemic measures like lockdowns and social distancing helped to spread out the number of infections and reduce deaths. The reduction in cases benefited healthcare systems by allowing better care for those infected.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of “flattening the curve” refers to the strategy aimed at spreading out the number of infection cases over time to prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed. Reducing the peak number of infections helps ensure that those who need critical care can access resources such as hospital beds and medical staff. When infections peak too high, healthcare systems are overloaded, critical cases cannot be handled adequately, and the mortality rate can increase as a result.
During significant infectious outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an uncontrolled surge of cases can lead to a high number of deaths because of saturated healthcare resources. Measures such as lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and curtailing travel have a substantial impact on reducing the spread of the virus, thereby lowering emissions and essentially 'flattening the curve.' This can be observed from historical instances where such measures resulted in the lowering of infection rates and decreased healthcare burden.
Stay-at-home policies and stringent social distancing guidelines during 2020, for example, likely contributed to lowering the peak death rates that otherwise might have been experienced. The reduction in the number of cases and the resultant easing of pressures on healthcare systems can save lives and afford better care for those infected.