Spanish Flu's Impact on Children's Education

Spanish Flu's Impact on Children's Education

Though initially there was no fear of this "Spanish influenza" during the summer months of this year, now it appears that it is quite a threat here in Southern California. Surgeon-General Rupert Blue of the Public Health Service who recently commented, "that the epidemic of 1893 which swept a large part of Europe and this country was caused by a very minute bacterium commonly called Pfeiffer bacillus" supported the origins of this questionably new influenza. Despite the fact that Spanish doctors are vehement in their denial that the disease, which we are aware has already taken its toll in our country and throughout the world, originated in Spain, a virulent strain of influenza is definitely here in Southern California. Either way, the disease was obviously brought to the United States by soldiers who have contracted influenza while battling the evil enemy.

Despite the origin of this influenza, our country's health is of the utmost concern because it is definitely worse than the "common cold," yet not as severe as other illnesses such as pneumonia and pleurisy. Influenza is characterized by rapid onset; an individual can be struck severely ill in the matter of a day if not hours. As well, this strain of influenza is distinguished by a high fever, reaching as high 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A victim will also typically experience headache, selective abdominal problems, as well as many other symptoms. Basically, this is not an illness that one would choose to contract.

The severity of this occurrence of influenza is most evident with our young folk who have become quite susceptible to this recent "epidemic." Yet, people of all ages, genders and social standings are prone to the illness. No one is safe, unlike the initial reports produced by the Board of Health, which suggested that Americans were impervious to the "Spanish influenza."

In fact, schools were closed for the first time in October as was reported by the Los Angeles Time on October 11: "At a special meeting this evening Pasadena Board of Education decided to close all of the public schools indefinitely beginning Tuesday morning. This includes the night High School as well as the day schools. Schools are closed as a precaution against influenza."

As reported yesterday, the schools were once again shut down due to the influenza.