The Spanish Flu Pandemic

Brief History

Illness from the 1918 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, came on quickly.

Unlike earlier pandemics and seasonal flu outbreaks, the 1918 Influenza pandemic saw high mortality rates among healthy adults. Although the 1957 pandemic was not as devastating as the 1918 pandemic, about 69,800 people in the United States died.

In early 1968, a new Influenza virus was detected in Hong Kong. This Hong Kong flu virus was similar in some ways to the 1957 Influenza virus.

In the spring of 2009, a new Influenza virus (H1N1) spread quickly across the United States and the world, this was one of the most unpredictable seasons recorded. Reports of Influenza activity began to decline in parts of the country, which gave the medical

But just in case, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir). These drugs will help reduce the infection by a day and prevent complications if taken soon after you notice symptoms. Tamiflu is an oral medication. Relenza is an inhaled medication, delivered through an asthma inhaler-like device. Relenza shouldn’t be used by anyone with respiratory diseases/problems. The side effects of antiviral medications may include nausea and vomiting, but these can be lessened if the drug is taken with food. Delirium and self-harm in teenagers has been related to Tamiflu. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to lessen the amount of discomfort from muscle aches and headaches. Some other treatment options other than drugs would be a holistic route or using herbal remedies such as Echinacea which is thought to improve a person’s immune system, goldenseal and garlic are thought to have antiviral properties, boneset can counteract aches and fever, and yarrow and elder flower can combat chills. Aromatherapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of the influenza virus, two drops of tea tree oil in a hot bath is believed by aromatherapists to ease muscle aches, while a few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oil can be added to a steam

Influenza is caused by a virus that is very easily spread because it may lay dormant on most hard surfaces for up to twenty four hours, it is also very adaptable to most host environments. The most active season for the spread of the influenza virus is early fall through late winter. Influenza can be very problematic for people of a very young age, people with health problems such as Diabetes and most heart problems, and the elderly. The influenza virus can still be deadly, it is hard to get an annual mortality average because the influenza virus can mutate and be very unpredictable in some seasons. Luckily there is many prevention and treatment options to help combat the virus throughout the