THE INFLUENZA PANDEMIC OF 1918 HISTORY ESSAY

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It is historically one of the most horrifying epidemics of mankind. Medical researchers were running out of ideas; it was the worst feeling that the medical field could have ever experienced. The deadly virus demonstrated the inferiority of human inventions (American Experience: Influenza 1918). In 1918 there was an outbreak that started to kill thousands of Americans and millions all over the world. “The Influenza Pandemic” also known as “Spanish Flu,” a virus that caused sickness, death, and sorrow. This contagious virus is a very dangerous respiratory infection and which often ended in Pneumonia (Turkington, C; Ashby, B). The effects of the virus that caused the influenza pandemic of 1918 resulted in mortalities and then preventive measures, which had a tremendous impact on history, mainly on World War I.

Influenza appeared as the most serious pandemic episode that occurred, causing devastation, to every part of the world. The main reason for the spread of this disease is considered to be World War I. It is believed that the influenza pandemic spread quickly to the military personnel through the United States ships that were traveled around North America, Europe, and to other continents that helped spread the disease rapidly throughout the world.

History and Origin of the Disease

The Influenza Pandemic took place during World War I in 1918. The main cause of this disease in the United States was due to military ships traveling to foreign countries and carrying it back to the U.S. There were three waves of infection during 1918-1919. Through research done, the first wave started in the spring of 1918 in the United States. The second and the third waves spread around the world in the fall and winter. These waves were the most lethal (Taubenberger, Jefferey K. and Morens, David M.). During the first wave of the influenza pandemic, military and government leaders didn’t acknowledge the disease. The reason for this was fear that the cost of health care would take money away from the war. Because of their negligence the countries involved in the war didn’t take the proper precautions against the flu, leading to the devastation of the second wave. The government was putting all the money toward the war which caused a lack of healthcare. As a result many men on the battlefield were getting the infection and dying. This forced the government to devote more money to healthcare which affected our lead in the war (Billings).

Influenza Symptoms

The Influenza Pandemic was an infectious disease that involved fever, chills, coughing spells, skin that