The Toll of Influenze, We Heard the Bells

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In 1918-1919, the worst flu in recorded history occurred, killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide. The U.S. death toll was 675,000 - five times the number of U.S. soldiers killed in World War I. Crazy! This flu was unlike any other, and in infected unlike any other. Not to mention, the progression of this illness was extremely quick. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re suffering from a high-grade fever and lying on your death bed. Unlike the influenza virus that many are familiar with today, this form of the virus targeted -- and killed -- the young and healthy. This to me was an interesting fact as it is more common that viruses affect those who are elderly, pregnant, under the age of five, or suffer from chronic conditions. Although they did mention in the video that those who were pregnant died just as fast those who were young and healthy. The thing that got me is that they said they were unsure as to why the pregnant were dying just as fast. Using what I have learned throughout my semesters in college, it seems to me that these women were dying because of the s...

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