Remarkably, the influenza pandemic of 1918 was one of the most overlooked and ignored events in American history. Even though this incredible contagion is amply documented, until recently it became buried beneath the chaotic history of most of the 20th century. Over one fifth of the world’s population was affected and, within months, it had killed more than any other disease in recorded history. Whereas World War I claimed 16 million lives, this pandemic killed more than 50 million! In the end, it disappeared just as quickly and mysteriously as it had appeared…more from human consciousness than from the surface of the earth.
Even though, as a pandemic, it suddenly emerged almost simultaneously throughout the world, its first appearance in America was in New York City. The disease struck in two phases, each time without warning. In May of 1918, people suddenly began to suffer from a malady which came to be known as the “three day fever”. Only a few deaths were reported and most people recovered after a few days. But in the fall, the second phase of the disease emerged with an intensity that defied medical science. Victims were dying within hours of being struck or, otherwise, dying a few days later with pneumonia-like symptoms.
The plague rapidly spanned the nation from coast to coast and as far away as Alaska. The most susceptible were young children and the elderly; but, to the further astonishment of doctors, young adults, who were thought to be the least susceptible to such diseases, were the hardest hit. Over 25% of the U.S. population was afflicted; in less than a year the average life expectancy had dropped by 12 years.
The story is complex and this post is merely a summary; many sites offer comprehensive information on this plague’s history. While the pandemic itself quickly subsided, epidemics of pneumonia continued throughout the early 1920s in many U.S. cities. Indeed, this particular strain of influenza had never actually disappeared but had altered influenza infections of its type down to the present day. Scientists believe that the pandemic strain is merely lying dormant and could strike again at any time when it attains a favorable immunity to modern disease prevention.
Tags: historic
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Wow. Excellent post. I wonder if Avian flu is going to be the next pandemic? Or if Avian flu is another form of the 1918 flu?
Take your Vitamin C, people.