1918 Influenza Pandemic

The 1918 Influenza Pandemic, commonly known as the Spanish flu, was an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus that infected about one-third of the world's population between 1918 and 1919. It emerged during World War I, spreading rapidly due to troop movements. Unlike typical flu strains, it particularly affected healthy young adults, leading to an estimated 50 million deaths globally. Public health responses included quarantines and the use of masks, shaping future approaches to pandemics. The pandemic highlighted the importance of global health systems and preparedness for infectious diseases.