Influenza, (the flu) is one of the most contagious and dangerous illnesses known to mankind. In 1918, a flu epidemic affected over 500 million people worldwide. It was estimated that 20 to 40 million people died. Most of the victims of this deadly flu were healthy adults between the age of 20 and 40. What caused the 1918 flu epidemic and the deaths of so many people?
Lack of Knowledge
The flu is a infection that attacks the organs that involve breathing such as the nose, throat and lungs. This infection can be caused by any of the three different flu viruses classified as Type A, B and C. The most common strain found in humans is Type A. This specific strain is the most dangerous of the three types. By changing its structure, it can replicate itself causing new strains to come into existence.
In 1918, little was known about flu viruses and their affect on the human body. The flu virus and the symptoms that developed had occurred in previous years. However, most doctors were not aware these small parasites (viruses) existed in the air. Nor did they know that just by breathing the flu virus could enter the human body. Also, unknown was just how contagious the flu could be.
When the flu epidemic appeared in the United States in the spring of 1918, among Army soldiers, everyone assumed it was only a "three day fever", It quickly spread to Europe and Asia when soldiers traveled abroad Patients were not extremely ill and recovered very quickly. There were very few deaths and the epidemic was not taken seriously. World War 1 and other events were more important.
Lack of Treatments and Preventive
In September of 1918, the second phase or wave of the flu epidemic appeared without warning. It quickly spread among Navy soldiers in different states and overseas. Within a short period of time, people in Europe, Asia, and North America became seriously ill and deaths were occurring daily. The new flu virus was different from the earlier one and extremely dangerous. The U. S. government realized that they could no longer ignore the flu epidemic.
Eventually, awareness of the flu epidemic and the proper treatments began reaching cities and rural areas. Messages from the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) . were broadcasted urging cities to quarantine the infected and restrict large gatherings to prevent the disease from spreading. Cities did not enforce the restricts, allowing rallies and events regarding the flu epidemic. Also, men were still allowed to register for the draft which draw large crowds daily at federal buildings.
Antiviral drugs and home remedies to help the body fight the flu were not in existence yet. Although, there had been previous mild flu epidemics in previous years, effective treatments were not widely known. The only treatments available were aspirins to help lower the fever, oxygen to help with the breathing problems and basic medical care. Several doctors suggested total bed rest and liquids only. Many people recovered when these suggested were implemented. Other people literally waited to die due to lack of nurses and proper medical care. Unfortunately, these limited medical treatments were not enough to save so many from dying.
This second flu virus was so powerful and strong that symptoms often developed moments after infection. Many people died within hours or days after their first symptoms. Death often happened so rapidly because the lungs would fill up with fluid and the patient would literally suffocate to death.
Many people living today are unaware of the 1918 flu epidemic. This history is not often taught in schools or mentioned in history books. This flu epidemic was responsible for the death of millions of people worldwide. Due to most important issues like the war, this epidemic was not taken seriously when it first appeared. With little knowledge about flu viruses and preventvie measures not enforce, the flu spread rapidly. Limited medical treatments, poor heath care and a lack of nurses make th 1918 flu epidemic one of the worst epidemics in history.