Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.canadaeast.com/wellness/article/415600
Facts about the 1918 Spanish flu: about 2.5 per cent of those infected died
Published Monday September 15th, 2008
Some facts about the Spanish flu:
-Origin unknown, but evidence suggests Kansas
-Milder first wave reported in the late winter, early spring of 1918
-Vicious second wave starts in late August, early September
-Death toll estimated at 50 million to 100 million worldwide
-30,000 to 50,000 Canadians die
-Death rate highest among young, healthy adults
-Death sometimes swift, within hours of the start of symptoms
-Roughly 2.5 per cent of infected people die
Pandemics of the 20th century:
The Spanish flu: 1918-19
-Killed an estimated 50 million to 100 million people worldwide
-Caused by an H1N1 flu virus
The Asian flu: 1957-58
-Killed an estimated one million to four million people worldwide.
-Caused by an H2N2 virus
The Hong Kong flu: 1968-69
-Killed an estimated one million to four million people worldwide.
-Caused by an H3N2 virus.
Glossary:
Influenza: A viral disease that attacks multiple species of mammals, including humans, chickens, seals, horses, dogs and pigs. Called "flu" for short.
The disease: In humans, influenza attacks the respiratory system. Sufferers experience fatigue, muscle aches, sneezing and coughing; infection can lead to pneumonia.
Pandemic influenza: Occasionally a new flu virus acquires the ability to infect people. With no or few defences against the new virus, most people are susceptible and attack rates are high. Pandemic viruses can be mild or severe. While there were three pandemics in the 20th century, there is no cycle or pattern to predict when the next will occur.
Spanish Flu Reading:
"America's Forgotten Pandemic: The Influenza of 1918" by Alfred W. Crosby, Cambridge University Press.
"The Great Influenza" by John M. Barry, Viking Press.
"The Silent Enemy: Canada and the Deadly Flu of 1918" by Eileen Pettigrew, Western Producer Prairie Books.
"Dr. Fred and the Spanish Lady" by Betty O'Keefe and Ian Macdonald, Heritage House.
Facts about the 1918 Spanish flu: about 2.5 per cent of those infected died
Published Monday September 15th, 2008
Some facts about the Spanish flu:
-Origin unknown, but evidence suggests Kansas
-Milder first wave reported in the late winter, early spring of 1918
-Vicious second wave starts in late August, early September
-Death toll estimated at 50 million to 100 million worldwide
-30,000 to 50,000 Canadians die
-Death rate highest among young, healthy adults
-Death sometimes swift, within hours of the start of symptoms
-Roughly 2.5 per cent of infected people die
Pandemics of the 20th century:
The Spanish flu: 1918-19
-Killed an estimated 50 million to 100 million people worldwide
-Caused by an H1N1 flu virus
The Asian flu: 1957-58
-Killed an estimated one million to four million people worldwide.
-Caused by an H2N2 virus
The Hong Kong flu: 1968-69
-Killed an estimated one million to four million people worldwide.
-Caused by an H3N2 virus.
Glossary:
Influenza: A viral disease that attacks multiple species of mammals, including humans, chickens, seals, horses, dogs and pigs. Called "flu" for short.
The disease: In humans, influenza attacks the respiratory system. Sufferers experience fatigue, muscle aches, sneezing and coughing; infection can lead to pneumonia.
Pandemic influenza: Occasionally a new flu virus acquires the ability to infect people. With no or few defences against the new virus, most people are susceptible and attack rates are high. Pandemic viruses can be mild or severe. While there were three pandemics in the 20th century, there is no cycle or pattern to predict when the next will occur.
Spanish Flu Reading:
"America's Forgotten Pandemic: The Influenza of 1918" by Alfred W. Crosby, Cambridge University Press.
"The Great Influenza" by John M. Barry, Viking Press.
"The Silent Enemy: Canada and the Deadly Flu of 1918" by Eileen Pettigrew, Western Producer Prairie Books.
"Dr. Fred and the Spanish Lady" by Betty O'Keefe and Ian Macdonald, Heritage House.