Medical Science's Newest Discoveries About the "Spanish Influenza"

• This article gives a brief history of spread of flu. It also provides moderately detailed description of the course of the Spanish flu, including its uniquely short duration, high fever, and existence of fewer gastro-intestinal problems than traditional flu. The highly contagious nature of the microbes released during a patient’s episodes of coughing and sneezing are noted. The sputum of the Spanish flu is white, differing from the green color of the common cold and the rusty color of pneumonia. • The author states that the microbe causing the Spanish flu has been isolated by three English army surgeons (Captains T.R. Little, C.J. Garafalo, and P.A. Williams of the Canadian Mobile Bacteriological Laboratory). The article mentions the last pandemic (1889-92). It notes that this influenza microbe grows best on blood and is unlike other studied germs. It is unique.• The authorities are investigating whether the influenza was intentionally released by the Germans. It is believed that it originated on the German lines and was spread to the Spanish via frequent contact between Germans and Spanish.• The article concludes with a description of treatment and precautions to avoid contracting the disease.Newspaper article