1918 Flu Facts

In 1918, an estimated one-third of the world's population became infected with the flu, resulting in the deaths of possibly up to 100 million people worldwide. It was the worst influenza pandemic in history. There are still few answers as to why it was so deadly.

Features

• Known as "The Spanish Flu" or "La Grippe," the 1918 pandemic was a worldwide disaster of major proportions. Most of its victims ranged in age from 20 to 40.

Significance

• Before the 1918 pandemic, most cases of the flu had primarily affected the upper respiratory tract. One significant difference of the 1918 strain was that it attacked the lungs as well.

Considerations

• There is speculation that World War I was responsible for the global spread of the flu with soldiers being likely carriers. There were three waves of the pandemic with the first coming in the spring and summer of 1918, the second in the fall, and the third in early 1919.

Theories/Speculation

• Historians agree that the mixture of the war and the failure of health officials to recognize the seriousness of the pandemic early enough led to the massive number of deaths. War bond rallies and recruitment centers became breeding grounds for the flu.

Final Outcome

• Those who were not as vulnerable to the disease survived and developed an immunity. This particular strain went on to mutate into a less virulent one. There is speculation that there will probably be another pandemic as the strain continues to mutate and change over time.