Influenza

Collection: Pandemics, Society, and Public Health, 1517–1925 Volumes Influenza

This volume is concerned with influenza, specifically the effects of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1920 in the UK. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses, particularly the H1N1 influenza A virus. Unlike plague, cholera, and smallpox, influenza was not regarded as a “notifiable disease” until the early twentieth century. It was considered to be a seasonal infection due to its common symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Assumptions about influenza were overturned in 1918. This pandemic occurred in three waves, with the second being the deadliest, as it affected young, healthy adults. During this pandemic, an estimated 33% of the world’s population were inflected with influenza and at least 50 million people died.

The documents within this collection were sourced from four leading UK archives: The National Archives, British Library, University College London, and London Metropolitan Archives. A complete item listing can be found on the Downloads page for this collection.

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Influenza

Influenza

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CO 323/789/28: Local Government Memorandum on Epidemic Catarrhs and Influenza