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by it. Part of what made the flu so deadly was the ineffectiveness of medicine
and incompetent management. Attempts to develop a vaccine were not suc-
cessful, since it was believed that the viral pathogen was, in fact, bacterial.
Many deaths from the disease were caused by bacterial pneumonia, which,
nowadays, is a treatable condition. However, antibiotics were not around a
hundred years ago, resulting in a substantial loss of life. Hospitals were also
overcrowded. Attempts to stop the spread of the disease were not effective.
Soldiers were shipped in mass across continents. These mistakes were all pre-
ventable, but have some been repeated in this pandemic?

In comparison, the Spanish Flu had an estimated mortality rate of about 20%
while COVID-19 (as of March 2020) has a rate just under 5%. Both of the vi-
ruses attack the respiratory system and are highly contagious. The Spanish flu
was spread across the globe during wartime primarily by military personnel
in ships, while the coronavirus has spread through business and tourism in
today’s global economy. This might make it easier to contract the latter now
than it was to contract the former 100 years ago. The coronavirus may also
come in waves, just like the flu. However, with the aid of medical knowledge
and past experience, the coronavirus probably will not be as destructive physi-
cally as the Spanish flu, but its other effects on society may still be severe. Keep
in mind that since our economy is much more globally interconnected now
than it was 100 years ago. The world economy depends on travel and trade. An
economic recession is almost inevitable, and even the possibility of a world
depression which in turn may in turn lead to mass unemployment, financial
devastation and social unrest.

Now, let us look back to the Spanish Flu. After the outbreak, the economy was,
indeed, unstable. However, keep in mind that the condition was also caused
by the war. There were no major conflicts during the crisis, and by the 1920’s,
the economy was back in great shape. The question is, “Will that apply to this
pandemic?”

So far, everyone is doing their best to make the situation better. Vaccines are
on their way, doctors are working hard, countries are limiting transportation
and placing risky areas in lockdown, and you are keeping both yourself and
others safe staying in self quarantine and keeping to social distancing. The
Spanish Flu taught us many things. Humanity has made it through many pan-
demics. This is just another one. Do the best you can to prevent the spread
of COVID-19. Follow precautions. With the help of medical developments,
cooperation from everyone, knowledge from history, and your actions, we will
make it through this crisis together. Stay safe.

---------------------------FUN FACT---------------------------

Contrary to popular belief, the Spanish Flu did not originate in Spain.
There is a reason behind the name, though; during World War I, none
of the fighting countries wanted to publicly spread news of the disease,
fearing that it would affect their country’s morale. Spain was neutral
during the war and the press was free to cover the flu in great detail.
This, combined with the fact that the king of Spain was sick with the
disease at the time, was the reason that the disease became known as
the Spanish Flu.

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