Spanish flu

1. The Spanish Flu (1918–1919)
Causes, Effects, and Why It Was a
Pandemic

2. Introduction
• The Spanish flu of 1918–1919 was one of the
deadliest pandemics in history. It infected an
estimated 500 million people (about one-third
of the world’s population) and caused 20–50
million deaths worldwide.

3. Causes of the Spanish Flu
• • Virus: H1N1 influenza A virus with avian
origin.
• • Transmission: Spread through respiratory
droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking).
• • Conditions: Crowded environments such as
military camps and cities accelerated spread.
• • Medicine: No vaccines or antiviral
treatments existed at the time.

4. Health Effects
• • Around 500 million infections worldwide.
• • Estimated 20–50 million deaths (possibly up
to 100 million).
• • Unusual severity in young adults (20–40
years old).
• • Symptoms: fever, body aches, pneumonia,
rapid death in severe cases.

5. Social & Economic Effects
• • Schools, businesses, and public gatherings
closed.
• • Hospitals overwhelmed; funeral systems
collapsed.
• • Disrupted World War I efforts.
• • Fear and isolation transformed daily life.

6. Why It Was a Pandemic
• • Epidemic = outbreak limited to a region or
country.
• • Pandemic = outbreak spreading across
countries/continents.
• • The Spanish flu was global, highly
contagious, and caused massive mortality.
• • Therefore, it is classified as a pandemic.

7. Conclusion
• The Spanish flu was caused by the H1N1
influenza A virus and spread worldwide. It
caused unprecedented health, social, and
economic impacts, killing millions and
disrupting societies. It remains a historical
example of how pandemics shape humanity.

8. Proposal 1: Medical & Scientific
Approaches
• • Vaccination: If the 1918 H1N1 occurred
today, rapid genome sequencing and modern
platforms (mRNA, protein subunit, viral
vector) would enable vaccines within months;
ensure equitable distribution.
• • Antivirals: Stockpiles and rapid deployment
of influenza antivirals (e.g., neuraminidase
inhibitors) to reduce viral replication,
hospitalizations, and deaths.
• • Monoclonal antibodies: Short term passive
‑

9. Proposal 2: Public Health & Global
Preparedness
• • Early detection & surveillance: Real time
‑
genomic monitoring and transparent data
sharing to spot variants.
• • Non pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):
‑
Targeted masking, ventilation, hand hygiene,
testing, isolation, and temporary crowd
controls to slow spread.
• • Healthcare surge capacity:
ICU/oxygen/ventilator reserves, trained
rapid response teams, PPE stockpiles.
‑

10. Expected Impact of the Proposals
• • Short term: Fewer infections and deaths via
NPIs, early treatment, and supportive care.
• • Medium term: Rapid vaccine rollout and
targeted antivirals reduce severe disease and
hospital burden.
• • Long term: Stronger surveillance, stockpiles,
and R&D lessen the chance that an outbreak
escalates into a global pandemic again.