A Few Interesting Facts about the 1918 Flu Pandemic

While most of us have heard about the 1918 flu pandemic, sometimes called the Spanish Flu, that caused approximately 40 million deaths worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), we may not know much more about it. Scientists explain this strain of flu was an H1N1 virus with a similar genetic structure of viruses derived from avian origins. Experts also say the methods for preventing the spread of the flu was much the same as preventing COVID-19 from spreading – handwashing, mask wearing, and avoiding close contact with others.

In October 6, 1918, a Greek newspaper published an announcement from the government that read: “The disease germs enter the body through the mouth and generally from the respiratory system. […] The disease spreads by coughs and [is] transmitted by air. Therefore, it is recommended the avoidance of [mental] stress and overwork. […] All schools must be close[d], and meticulous maintenance of cleanliness of lingerie and hands is proposed. In particular, it is highly recommended to avoid close contact with every person who displays flu symptoms.”

Moreover as with today’s pandemic, the virus has its various misconceptions and myths that spread throughout the general public. One such conspiracy theory widely circulated in the US and the United Kingdom was that the pandemic was caused by aspirin, which was produced by the German Bayer Company. Medical professionals believed the story was probably propagated by the fact that the flu emerged right at the end of World War I, which involved the US and England fighting against the Germans.

Another myth written up in a Brazilian paper involved German submarines spreading the virus. A similar story spread to the US’s East Coast where many believed German boats had come ashore and released the infection into the air. Experts say that like today, myths and misinformation spreads when scientists and doctors do not have solutions and people are anxious for answers.

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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-flu-pandemic-of-1918-and-early-conspiracy-theories#Why-did-these-misconceptions-catch-on?