Replies

There is no "this flu". The story is talking about just another "what if". They are just speculating about what might happen if another super-virulent strain like the 1918 flu ever comes around again.

I'd say that the folks talking about it (for the 30th straight year) to the media are simply looking for increased funding and ego boosts.

I've heard speculation from research viroligists that perhaps the only reason the 1918 flu happened was because of the millions of men in the trenches in Europe.

Epidemic of 1918 killed thousands

During the latter stage of World War I, Pittsburgh was hit with a severe epidemic of influenza. Medical historians believe it began in a U.S. Army barracks in Kansas in March of 1918 and, with alarming speed, spread through-out the world.

The epidemic was devastating--it killed twice as many people as were killed in the battles of the war.

It struck the Pittsburgh area in October and November of 1918 and claimed 4,500 lives. Some 22,000 cases were reported.

It was estimated that 500,000 people in the United States died of the flu.

Sadly, my Grandmother, only 17...died of this flu, leaving behind her 9 month old daughter...my Mom.