Did you know, over 500 million people were infected by the deadliest Spanish Flu in 1918-1920?
The pandemic that occurred in 1918 – Spanish flu, the deadliest in history, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed an estimated 20 million to 50 million victims.
Initially, the flu was observed in the United States and in few parts of Asia. In those years, there were no strong drugs or vaccines to cure virus-infected bodies. People around the world were ordered to wear masks and all the business along with academia and entertainment were ordered to shut.
The first wave of the virus took place in the spring of 1918. At that time, it was not that severe. Those who experienced similar symptoms tend to cure within a few days or weeks also the death toll was low.
By the fall of the same year, the second wave took place which was much dangerous and those who were infected by the virus died within a few hours or days.
The exact reason for what caused this flu is unknown yet. The reason why it is known as a Spanish flu is that Spain was hit hard by this virus and because it wasn’t subject to the wartime news blackouts, it affected other European countries as well.
Many U.S. soldiers died due to this flu than those who were killed in the war. Around 40% of the U.S. Navy and 30% of the U.S. army was infected by this flu. It was estimated that around 3% of the total world population died due to this flu.
The flu pandemic came to an end by the summer of 1919, as those who were infected either died or developed an immunity.
Since 1918, there have been various viral pandemics happening almost every once a decade. To stay unaffected or immune in such a virus, we should start implementing seiso at every place be it work or home to keep ourselves germfree or virus free. The cure is bound to come. It might take time, but it will be out, and this too shall pass. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy!
Source – www.history.com
Written & Compiled by Faber Mayuri & Faber Priyal
