The Great Influenza

The Great Influenza, also known as the 1918 flu pandemic, was a severe global outbreak of influenza that occurred from 1918 to 1919. It infected about one-third of the world's population and resulted in an estimated 50 million deaths. The virus spread rapidly, exacerbated by World War I troop movements and poor public health responses. Unlike typical flu strains, it disproportionately affected healthy young adults. The pandemic highlighted the importance of vaccines and public health measures, shaping future responses to infectious diseases. Its impact was profound, influencing medicine, policy, and societal attitudes towards health and disease transmission.