The Influenza of 1918

This paper addresses the historical significance of the 1918 Influenza and its effect on society. This paper focuses on the beginning or appearance of this illness and the spread of it. Known to be extremely fatal, the influenza killed a major portion of the United States and global population. Labeled and still sometimes known as the “Spanish Flu,” puts false and thoughtless blame on to a group and country that this illness did not even originate from. Furthermore, this paper brings recognition of the three waves or outbreaks of this virus and the effects it had on society during the time period. Preventative measures put into place also saw a decrease in cases, however, without any real treatment or cure, people were confined to their homes or those who fell sick ultimately would not recover. This virus had and has a major impact on society not only in the past but today. The overshadow of war and other historical events do not allow for the significance of this period in time to be understood, until facing the same or similar issue. The need to teach the history of the Influenza of 1918 is crucial for future generations to understand the long-term impacts of pandemics and their effects on society as a whole