The Spanish Flu of 1918: An Influenza Pandemic
Summary
The pandemic proved to be a cautionary tale about the gruesome side of globalization: the virus spread rapidly due to the mass mobilization of soldiers worldwide, often in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Usually, mortality rates for viral infections are higher in children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, but during the Spanish Flu pandemic, many young adults died in large numbers [1,2]. But the study of the history of the influenza virus, epidemiology, pathogenicity, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, and the public health responses at the time offers incredible insights to help prevent the next pandemic. In the United States, Philadelphia had the highest death rate — it didn’t help that the city organized a huge gathering called the ‘Liberty Loan Drive Parade’ to support the war effort. Early detection and the use of epidemiology in point-of-care diagnoses, quick public health responses, research, vaccines, and other preventive measures can help curb the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
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