The Deadly Spanish Flu

• The 1918 Spanish Flu was the deadliest virus in modern history, killing 20 to 50 million people worldwide.
• The total death toll is unknown due to the lack of medical records in many areas.
• The pandemic hit during World War I and devastated military troops.
• More servicemen were killed from the flu than from the war itself in the United States.
• The Spanish flu was fatal to a higher proportion of young adults than most flu viruses.
• The pandemic started mildly in the spring of 1918 and was followed by a much more severe wave in the fall of 1918.
• Poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions in war camps likely contributed to the devastating mortality numbers.
• A third wave occurred in the winter and spring of 1919, and a fourth, smaller wave occurred in a few areas in spring 1920.
• Modern medicine such as vaccines, antivirals, and antibiotics were not available at that time.
• The flu ended when it had infected enough people that those who were susceptible had either died or developed immunity.

Think you know everything about the deadliest virus in modern history? Test your knowledge with our quiz on the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. From its devastating impact on military troops to its fatal effects on young adults, this quiz covers all the important facts about the pandemic's spread and eventual end. Put your knowledge to the test and learn more about the unsanitary conditions and lack of access to modern medicine that contributed to the staggering mortality numbers.