The 1918 Flu Pandemic

Estimates suggest that this flu claimed as many as 50 million lives around the world between 1918 and 1919.

Recent estimates suggest that the 1918 flu claimed as many as 50 million lives around the world between 1918 and 1919, killing more people in a single year than the entire “Black Death” of the 14th century. On its centennial anniversary, it is worth remembering the history of the “Spanish” flu and how it set us on the path towards our modern flu vaccine.

Written by Dr. Jim Harris. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle.

Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Audio production by Paul Kotheimer, College of Arts & Sciences Academic Technology Services. The Origins' editorial team includes Editors Nicholas Breyfogle, Steven Conn and David Steigerwald; Managing Editors Lauren Henry, Sarah Paxton, and Renae Sullivan; Associate Editors: Mina Park and Kristin Osborne

We thank the Stanton Foundation for their funding of this and other Origins projects.

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