1918 Influenza Epidemic

"The influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. [In comparison] World War I claimed an estimated 16 million lives. One fifth of the world's population was attacked by this deadly virus. Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.

The plague emerged in two phases. In late spring of 1918, the first phase, known as the "three-day fever," appeared without warning. Few deaths were reported. Victims recovered after a few days. When the disease surfaced again that fall, it was far more severe. Scientists, doctors, and health officials could not identify this disease which was striking so fast and so viciously, eluding treatment and defying control. Some victims died within hours of their first symptoms. Others succumbed after a few days; their lungs filled with fluid and they suffocated to death.

The plague did not discriminate. It was rampant in urban and rural areas, from the densely populated East coast to the remotest parts of Alaska. Young adults, usually unaffected by these types of infectious diseases, were among the hardest hit groups along with the elderly and young children. The flu afflicted over 25 percent of the U.S. population. In one year, the average life expectancy in the United States dropped by 12 years.

It is an oddity of history that the influenza epidemic of 1918 has been overlooked in the teaching of American history."(i)

During this epidemic people saw a shortage of supplies that they never thought would run low, such as coffins. Undertakers had to hire guards to prevent the theft of coffins. Meanwhile the occupied coffins were stacked in streets waiting for burial.

Where under normal situations people would hold out for hope, the epidemic made death so expected that once someone contracted the disease, they were given up for dead. Entire families and even some small towns were wiped out. It tore society apart, and some saw it as Armageddon coming to pass. projections were showing the human civilization would be wiped out with in a few years if the death toll continued.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by an RNA virus, which could not be detected during 1918.It was not until the electron microscope was invented that a virus was first seen. Without knowing what was causing the epidemic doctors could do very little aside from watching the people die, but as quickly as it started it stopped. With a combination of the remaining people being immune and cities being thinned about by the large death toll, influenza ran out of steam.

There have been two other epidemics of the flu since 1918, but nether to the severity of what happened that year. Although there are now measures to help prevent a similar epidemic from breaking out, there is still no known cure to the virus.

"Street car conductor in Seattle not allowing passengers aboard without a mask. 1918.

Mass transit systems, with crowds of people in close quarters, were fertile venues for the spread of disease. In Seattle, public health officials required that passengers and employees wear masks as a precautionary measure."

"Dr. D. A. Richardson, a physician visiting a New Mexico pueblo, describes the symptoms and course of treatment for flu victims. The disease progressed erratically. Some patients recovered, having followed the doctor's orders to remain prostrate and have liquids only. Others deteriorated rapidly, contracting pneumonia and dying within days."

"Typist wearing mask, New York City, October 16, 1918.

The flu prevented day-to-day operations from going smoothly. Officials advised all persons to wear face masks, even indoors. Many believed that a person could contract the disease by handling documents and equipment."

"Because of the Federal government's role in administering Indian reservations, the effect of the flu on Indian populations is well documented. Residents of Western Shoshone (Nevada) Agency received a notice of rules, such as keeping the home aired out, and women and children were to stay home, which they were to follow for the duration of the epidemic."

"Letter carrier in New York wearing mask for protection against influenza. New York City, October 16, 1918.

Letter carriers, mass transit workers, and others who came in contact with the public, were especially vulnerable to disease. Wearing a face mask helped them avoid contagion."

"October 8, 1918. The flu was highly contagious and spread rapidly, as documented in a military report notifying the Office Quartermaster General in Washington D.C., of a staffing crisis. The report notes 11 officers and 1,489 employees "absent today," with the situation not improving."

"Policemen in Seattle wearing masks made by the Red Cross, during the influenza epidemic. December 1918.

Officials feared mass hysteria in major cities. Citizens were urged to stay indoors and avoid congested areas. Here, policemen patrol the streets to ensure public safety."

"The Navy Department tried to prevent the spread of the influenza by educating sailors about protecting themselves. In Circular No. 1, the Navy's Bureau of Sanitation suggests fresh air, adequate sleep, and fluids to stay healthy."


Quotations from National archives and Records Center: "http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/influenza-epidemic/records-list.html"