Back to 1918

One century ago, the 1918 flu pandemic infected 500 million worldwide, causing more than 50 million deaths. One century thereafter, we are still insufficiently equipped to fight another Spanish-Flu-like pandemic.

This observation was made by Red Cross experts upon the last World Economic Forum in Davos.
According to the experts, a similar epidemy would presently cause over 150 million deaths. Such an epidemy would nowadays primarily affect the elderly as well as chronically ill patients, including
diabetic and obese people. These last conditions are tied to an increased risk of flue transmission.

In the view of Pr Caroline van de Sandt, from the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, climate changes
could likewise play a role in a future pandemic, as they impact animal reservoirs of infuenza viruses
and bird migration patterns.

An essential lesson from the 1918 influenza pandemic is that a well-prepared public response can
save a great many lives. As a first step, follows the basic recommendations: wash your hands before,
during and after preparing food, stay home if your are sick, and avoid crowded spaces.