H1N1 Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919

Often called the Spanish Flu, this particularly virulent, global outbreak occurred from 1918 to 1919, right after World War I. This pandemic was one of the deadliest in history, infecting about one-third of the world’s population and causing an estimated 50 million deaths.

The pandemic came in three waves, with the second wave being the most lethal. It was caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus and had a particularly high mortality rate among young adults, which was unusual for influenza. The crowded conditions of military camps and the movement of troops during the war contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the virus.

Transmission & Vectors

1. Person-to-Person Transmission: H1N1 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby or land on surfaces that others touch, leading to infection.
2. Surface Contamination: The virus can survive on surfaces for a short period. If someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, especially the mouth, nose, or eyes, they can become infected.
3. Close Contact: Close contact with infected individuals, such as in households, schools, or crowded places, increases the risk of transmission. This is why social distancing and good hygiene practices are crucial during outbreaks.

History

No one on this side of town remembers the events first-hand, but everyone learns about the history of the village when they arrive; about what can happen when things outside of the village go very, very wrong. The village almost buckled under the strain of so many dead arriving in so very short of a time.

It was the second wave of spiritualism that made the problem all the worse. Everyone so desperate to speak to the sons and brothers and husbands and fathers who were being slaughtered in the most inhumane of ways: through war. It was only a matter of time until someone opened the wrong portal, or made the wrong deal.

H1N1 Virus, Magnified by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Type

Viral

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common

Affected Species

• Human