A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920

[RamboLiberal]

From Amazon.com

Product Description
The flu pandemic that began in 1918 touched with illness virtually every family in America. It was a devastating time, far overshadowing the carnage of World War I as the pandemic killed more people in less time than any disease before or since. With 25% to 30% of the worlds population having clinically apparent illnesses and a mortality rate of 2.5% - 5%, it is believed that more than 675,000 Americans were among the 50-100 million that died worldwide. Because many experts believe that it is not a matter of if the world will encounter another 1918-like flu pandemic, but when, this social history of the pandemic should be considered essential reading for students, public health officials, doctors, nurses, journalists, and those in government office, interested in learning what workedand didntduring that grim time.

About the Author
After a thirteen-year career as a registered Medical Technologist, Dr. Pettit returned to college to pursue a career in the academic world. Focusing on early 20th century American History, she earned her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in History from the University of New Hampshire. After teaching at New Hampshire College and the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Pettit has retired and lives in Hamden, Connecticut.

[imdjh]

1. My ggrandfather, great uncle, and ggreat aunt all died in 1918.

Along with assorted cousins of their generation. It was ugly, and this was in a rural community. AT the time, though mortality from typhoid, TB, scarlett fever, and lockjaw were biggies too.

I have no romantic ideas about the past.

[kimmerspixelated]

2. But the 1918 flu wasn't as deadly

Until soldiers were vaccinated and placed in chemical warfare trials, then it was deadly.

[stray cat]

6. did you notice it killed people other than soldiers?

[ashling]

3. My mother was born in 1918, but two of her brothers

and a sister died of the flu.

[Spinzonner]

4. The number of deaths may have other causes than the flu itself

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/18/science/sci-flu18

With modern antibiotic therapy the conditions that lead to the massive death rate of 1918 may not exist.

[stray cat]

7. assuming your antibiotics even work......we are losing than battle

[Jade Fox]

5. My grandfather's memory of 1918...

"The grave diggers were working round the clock."