The Brutal History of Pandemic Influenza

When discussing Pandemic Influenza, it can be hard to grasp the entire scope of such an illness and the people affected by it. The definition of the word pandemic is “an epidemic of infectious disease that spread through populations across a large region.”

This can be on several continents or worldwide. A pandemic typically sees a significant rate of death from the illness as well. This condition, however, is not a requirement to be classified as a pandemic.

Some illnesses can simply have a widespread impact on the population and not result in large numbers of deaths.

Origin

The term pandemic is based on Greek words for all and people. This term has been used for numerous illnesses that afflicted populations throughout the world on more than one occasion. The Spanish influenza pandemic is one such incident.

The Spanish influenza pandemic occurred from 1918 to 1919. It was identified at Camp Funston, Kansas in March of 1918. By October of the same year, it had spread to all continents. In 18 months, the illness had dissipated but not before killing over 50 million people.

The first recognized pandemic was influenza in 412 BC. Another pandemic occurred in 430 BC in Athens. It was known as the Plague of Athens and killed roughly one fourth of the city’s population in four years. It also killed a quarter of the city’s troops, leaving the city’s defenses weakened.

Causes

Pandemics are caused by an infectious disease that begins in animals, begins to spread to a few humans and then spreads from human to human until the illness spreads, sometimes across the world.

When it comes to Pandemic Influenza, the illness is caused by Type A. This type is the most fluid of the influenza types, so it causes the biggest outbreaks.

In the case of influenza, the infected saliva that is expelled by coughs and sneezes is what spreads the illness. The germs can survive on surfaces that people touch and then transport the germ to their mouth and/or eyes. If the germs are inhaled, the illness is also spread.

Types of Pandemic Influenza

Many illnesses have resulted in deaths due to pandemic influenza status. This includes typhus, influenza, bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox, measles and tuberculosis.

The most recent episode of illness considered a pandemic is an exception to the general rule. This is HIV/AIDS. The illness originated in Africa and then spread to the United States via Haiti. The illness has affected 25% of the African population and has a prevalence rate of 29.1% in pregnant women. It is expected that roughly 100 million African natives will have been killed by AIDS by the year 2025.

Facts and Statistics

The Spanish influenza pandemic is the deadliest recorded in history so far. It began in Europe, before spreading to the US and Asia and from there throughout the world. The illness killed roughly one-third of the planet’s total population at that time.

During the worst of this pandemic, the health commissioner in New York City advised businesses to open and close on staggered schedules.

This would avoid overcrowding on the subways. Due to the ease of spread via breathing in the germs expelled by those already ill and making contact with the germs and touching one’s mouth or eyes, avoiding too many people in the close confines of the subway seemed an ideal option.

Ironically, the first wave of this pandemic occurred in the springtime and seemed relatively mild. As the flu does every year, it afflicted people with chills, fever and fatigue but the population overcame the illness and returned to business as usual.

It was a second wave that occurred in the fall of 1918 that killed its victims – healthy, young people as well as the old and already ill. It also killed people within hours of contracting the illness, which is not common.

Tragically, more World War I servicemen were killed by the Spanish flu than were killed during the time of war. These men were generally immune to such illness, making their deaths even more confusing and tragic.

Symptoms

Chills, aches and fever tend to be the strongest indication that you are suffering from the flu. When it comes to a pandemic, headache, dry and persistent cough and a sore throat, nasal congestion and fatigue tend to affect the sufferer as well.

Staying hydrated and getting rest is typically enough to overcome the flu. However, for those who already have a compromised immune system or who are older and therefore not as healthy in general, it is wise to seek medical advice upon the onset of this illness.

Learn more: Symptoms of Pandemic Flu

Typical Spread Pattern

A pandemic has certain stages, per the World Health Organization or WHO. The first stage is where the virus infects animals. From animals, a few cases will arise of the illness affecting humans.

From there, the virus spreads from human to human. Next, a pandemic is called as the illness spreads worldwide and gets out of control until addressed. A pandemic does not necessarily kill large numbers of people. However, most historic cases do have that result.

Modern science has given us many ways to prevent the spread of the influenza virus. One of the most effective and simple ways to do this is by wearing antibacterial facemasks. Even though facemasks are not aesthetically pleasing, they are so useful at preventing you from spreading the virus to other people. In addition, they ensure that someone else’s bacteria does not get inside you.

Effects on Humans

The pandemic influenza causes general weakness, aches in muscles and discomfort due to congestion, fever, cough and a sore throat. Meanwhile, it can lead to death in some cases.

Treatment

Treatment for the flu depends on the severity of the illness in each individual. For most, keeping hydrated and resting until you can begin returning to normal activities is advised. For those who already have some weakness in the immune system, seeking medical intervention early might be wise.

For those who show signs of dehydration by feeling thirsty or having a constantly dry mouth, it may be wise to visit an urgent care. Severe cases may require IV fluids.

Meanwhile, for those who seek medical help, medications like Tamiflu and Relenza may help an individual get well more quickly. Other medications like Oseltamivir and Zanamivir both require more study but may be useful in treatment of the flu in the future.