The Spanish Flu

German expressionist vampire films

These films are sometimes believed to be metaphors for the Spanish Flu.

Censorship during Spanish Flu

Heavy censorship in many countries prevented widespread news about the pandemic.

Duration of the Spanish Flu

The flu lasted from spring 1918 to spring 1919, with a brief outbreak in 1920.

Estimated infections of Spanish Flu

Estimated that 2 billion people were infected with the Spanish Flu.

Estimated death toll of Spanish Flu

The estimated death toll ranges from 20 million to 100 million people.

Death rate of Spanish Flu

The estimated death rate of the Spanish Flu was between 2% and 10%.

Transmission of epidemic diseases

Epidemic diseases are transmitted to humans by animals.

Number of severe flu epidemics in 18th century

There were 13 severe flu epidemics in the 18th century.

Three places where flu appeared simultaneously

The Spanish Flu appeared nearly simultaneously in America, China, and France.

Role of American soldiers in the Spanish Flu spread

American soldiers brought the flu to France during WWI.

Suspicions regarding Spanish Flu

Many suspected the Spanish Flu was a form of biological warfare.

Impact of WWI on Spanish Flu dissemination

The exchange of troops during WWI facilitated the spread of the Spanish Flu.

Complications in flu victims

Autopsies showed that many victims who died from the flu had pneumonia.

Severe symptoms of the third wave of Spanish Flu

Symptoms included high fever, acroedema, and coughing up blood.

What is a cytokine storm?

A theory suggests that immune systems attacked themselves during the flu.

Richard Pfeiffer's discovery

He thought he discovered 'haemophilus influenza,' originally believed to be bacterial.

Walter Reed's contribution

Reed was successful in treating yellow fever in the Caribbean.

Louis Pasteur

He conducted significant research on microbes in France.

Robert Koch

He is known for his work in Germany regarding infectious diseases.

Effect of quarantines on the flu

Where quarantines were active, the flu was less problematic.

Public health agencies formation

Countries formed public health agencies after realizing their readiness was lacking.

Alcohol as a flu treatment

Some believed alcohol could fight the flu, but it provided limited help.

Aspirin and Spanish Flu

Aspirin was improperly dosed, leading to possible overdose deaths during the flu.

Hospital conditions during the Spanish Flu

Hospitals were overwhelmed, and no effective quarantine measures were enforced.

Community restrictions during Spanish Flu

Restaurants, stores, schools, and theaters faced restrictions and closures.

General sanitation improvements

The Spanish Flu led to a trend of improving general sanitation practices.

Impact on working-age population

The flu caused a significant decrease in the working-age population.

Spanish Flu at the Paris Peace Conference

Many attendees at the Paris Peace Conference fell ill with the Spanish Flu.

Current status of Spanish Flu virus

Remnants of the Spanish Flu virus are held at the Center for Disease Control.

Discovery of Spanish Flu remnants

Scientists found and recreated the virus from buried bodies in Germany.