1918 Flu EpidemicThe First WaveThe 1918 flu epidemic began quietly in the spring. Most people were unaware of the new, mild virus. The first wave of the 1918 flu pandemic came quietly and mildly into our world. Did you know that the only flu treatment that worked in 1918 flu epidemic was homeopathy? It's true, and it's been well documented! Dr. Deborah Baker has written a book, Homeopathic/Herbal Flu Prevention and Cures that, not only includes homeopathic remedies for treatment AND prevention, but also includes dosages, the mystery for most non-professionals. Get started on homeopathic swine flu prevention or treatment today. The timeline of the 1918 flu pandemic began during World War I. The war would soon be coming to an end, and the men were tired from fighting and from primitive living conditions.
Serbian soldiers in World War I. The military was tired of primitive and unsanitary living conditions. Women, who had taken over men's work at home, were tired from the extra burdens of keeping things going on the home-front.
Women delivering ice during the war, 1918
Woman taxi driver
Women served as policemen during the war in 1918 In January 1918, a new influenza virus emerges, first in military camps, then in civilian communities, here and there. The first wave of this new 1918 flu is mild--in most cases milder than the seasonal flu. On March 11, 1918, a soldier reports to the camp hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas—he complains of having a fever, a sore throat and a headache. Before the day is over, 100 soldiers are ill. The 1918 influenza pandemic is just getting started. By April 1918 the 1918 influenza is spreading through Europe. (It will continue to circulate in Europe throughout the summer. But, by May, this new pandemic flu has disappeared from the United States. Most people are totally unaware of the circulation of the new flu. Life in the US goes on, during the summer of 1918, as if nothing is different. The 1918 flu epidemic existed only for those affected--mainly men in the military, at first.
New York City, 1918
Girl scouts in 1918
Summer of 1918, Babe Ruth and the Boston Red Sox
Carefree day at the beach July 1918 – Philadelphia issues a warning about the “Spanish influenza”. And, in Switzerland, the second wave of the 1918 flu pandemic, the most deadly of the three waves, has begun. Transportation was slower in 1918. Unlike 2009, when people travel all over the world to vacation or for business, people didn't travel to foreign countries as often in 1918. The influenza of 1918 was mainly carried across countries by the military.
There were no airplanes. Ships were the only way to cross oceans.
Cars were new.
In 1918 trains were commonly used to transport goods and for travel.
Trolleys were used to get around cities like New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
In 1918, people often used a horse and buggy for transport The first wave of the 1918 flu epidemic was very mild. Most people didn't even know that it occurred, and, as quickly as it began, it was gone again, by May of 1918 in the US. People went about their business, as usual. The war was ending, and folks all over the world had more important things to think about—than a silly influenza virus. But, there was more to come. Read about the
second wave of influenza 1918
and the last and
final wave of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Return to 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemics in History Add your pictures to Flu Pandemic History in Photos Pandemic Flu Guide HOME - from 1918 Flu Epidemic, 1st Wave
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