1918 flu

Encyclopedia article about the 1918 flu pandemic

Disease	Influenza
Virus strain	H1N1
Source
Location	Worldwide
First outbreak	United States
First reported
Index case
Dates
Date	February 1918 – April 1920

The 1918 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus. Lasting from February 1918 to April 1920, it infected 500 million people—about a third of the world's population at the time—in four successive waves. The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

Origins and Spread

The origins of the 1918 flu pandemic are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have started in the United States, with the first known case reported at Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas, in March 1918. The virus spread rapidly due to the movement of troops during World War I, reaching Europe, Asia, and eventually the rest of the world.

Symptoms and Mortality

The 1918 flu was characterized by a high mortality rate, particularly among young adults aged 20 to 40, which was unusual for influenza, as it typically affects the very young and the elderly more severely. Symptoms included typical flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, aches, and diarrhea, but many patients developed severe pneumonia, leading to death.

Public Health Response

Public health responses varied widely. Some cities, like Philadelphia, were slow to respond, leading to high mortality rates, while others, like St. Louis, implemented social distancing measures early, which helped reduce the spread of the virus. Measures included closing schools, theaters, and places of worship, as well as banning public gatherings.

Impact on Society

The pandemic had a profound impact on society, affecting the course of World War I, as many soldiers were incapacitated by the illness. It also led to significant changes in public health policies and the establishment of organizations such as the World Health Organization.

Scientific Research

The 1918 flu virus was not isolated until many years later. In 1997, researchers were able to sequence the genome of the virus from preserved tissue samples, providing insights into its origins and why it was so deadly.

Legacy

The 1918 flu pandemic remains a key subject of study for epidemiologists and virologists, as it provides important lessons for managing future pandemics. It highlighted the need for global surveillance of infectious diseases and the importance of rapid response to emerging health threats.

Also see

• Influenza pandemic
• H1N1
• World War I
• Public health
• Pandemic preparedness