Spanish Flu

The 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic, known as the Spanish flu, had a devastating impact, claiming more lives than World War I. It infected approximately one-third of the global population and resulted in a significant mortality rate. The outbreak led to widespread closures of schools and businesses, overwhelming hospitals, and the establishment of makeshift care centers. The eerie image of masked citizens became commonplace, yet this pandemic is often overshadowed by the war and other historical events, highlighting its underreported significance.