Similar to todays historical COVID-19, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic is known as the deadliest virus in recent history having very similar tides to the Coronavirus, April. 29.
The Spanish flu was first observed in Europe eventually spreading around the globe. However, scientists still don’t know where the flu exactly originated from.
The flu attacks the respiratory system and is highly contagious. A person who is infected may have symptoms of coughing or sneezing and if they touch can be easily spread by touch.
Very similar to todays precautions, some communities had imposed citizens to shelter in place, wear masks and many public places had been shut down. Citizens were also instructed to avoid shaking hands and to stay indoors.
Due to the overload of patients, in some places hospitals were pressured to have schools, buildings and homes be converted into makeshift hospitals, even having medical students as staff.
With no vaccines or antibiotics to help slow the spread, the Spanish flu killed approximately over 50 million people around the world.
Today 3.16 million people worldwide have been infected by the Coronavirus.
Facts about the Spanish Flu:
- The New York City health commissioner tried to slow the transmission of the flu by ordering businesses to open and close on staggered shifts to avoid overcrowding on the subways.
- More U.S. soldiers died from the Spanish flu than were killed in battle during World War 1.
- President Woodrow Wilson, contracted the flu while negotiating the Treaty of Versailles in early 1919.
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