Spanish Influenza 1918

scene in military hospital of a man in bed with the flu and a servicemen watching over him

Telegram advisory regarding influenza 1918

Mailman with mask carrying mail on the street

"This epidemic started about four weeks ago, and has developed so rapidly that the camp is demoralized and all ordinary work is held up till it has passed...."

"This epidemic started about four weeks ago, and has developed so rapidly that the camp is demoralized."

Influeza advisory with woman and health mask

"There are six sick in one house and they are in two beds. None of the families in this little community have enough bedding to keep warm nor the clothing needed in sickness. The Red Cross women have taken the entire situation in charge and are using one of the mill dwellings as headquarters. This is furnished with...things needed for preparing nourishment and otherwise caring for the sick. All nurses have been formed in squads and relieve each other day and night. Every precaution is taken to keep the disease from spreading. Masks are worn and disinfectants are used freely."
News and Courier (Charleston), letter from a resident in Cheraw, October 10, 1918

"There are six sick in one house and they are in two beds. None of the families in this little community have enough bedding to keep warm nor the clothing needed in sickness."

policemen in formation wearing masks to guard infection from influeza 1918

Death tolls per week in the US Army showing the spike of flu deaths 1918-1919

"These men start with what appears to be an ordinary attack of LaGrippe or Influenza, and when brought to the Hosp. they very rapidly develop the most viscous type of Pneumonia that has ever been seen."

"when brought to the Hosp. they very rapidly develop the most viscous type of Pneumonia that has ever been seen."

US Health Department Photo on the different threats of death. 'Pnemonia Ranks third!'

Edvard Munch self portrait after Spanish Influenza 1919

Masked typist protects herself from spanish flu 1918

"It is only a matter of a few hours then until death comes, and it is simply a struggle for air until they suffocate. It is horrible. One can stand it to see one, two or twenty men die, but to see these poor devils dropping like flies sort of gets on your nerves. We have been averaging about 100 deaths per day, and still keeping it up.

"We have been averaging about 100 deaths per day, and still keeping it up."