Spanish Flu V/S Covid-19

In 1918-19 world suffered a devastating outbreak of influenza- or the flu. It was described as a pandemic - an outbreak of a life-threatening infection, across geographical locations, over a while. This outbreak was considered the deadliest outbreak of influenza of the 20th Century. Because it was extensively reported in Spain, it began to be referred to as the Spanish Flu.

Like the common flu, Spanish flu was also spread through respiratory droplets, mainly coughing and sneezing. From time to time, such an outbreak can occur when a new variant of the influenza virus is found against which the population is not yet immunized. According to scientific data, the 1918–19 pandemic resulted in 25 million deaths, though some researchers estimate it to be approximately 40–50 million deaths.

Spanish flu pandemic happened over three waves, with the first wave starting in the March of 1918. Though the origin is still unclear, it quickly spread across western Europe. The first wave was relatively mild as compared to a more lethal one emerging in the August of 1918. In fatal cases, the death of the patient happened within two days of developing symptoms. In Camp Devens, Massachusetts 6674 cases were reported within 6 days from their first confirmed case. The third wave took place in the following winter.

The outbreak occurred in almost all the inhabited parts of the world. Entering through the ports and spreading from one city to the other with the help of land-based transportation. According to the available data, India suffered a loss of at least 12.5 million lives.

Striking similarities can be found between Covid -19 pandemic and the Spanish flu – which occurred almost a century back. Like the first wave of both the pandemics lasted for more than 2-3 months but saw fewer fatalities as compared to the second wave which lasted for a shorter duration but saw a sharp rise in the number of deaths. Just like the Spanish flu, a third wave is predicted for Covid-19 as well. The age-specific pattern is also common in both cases. Initially affecting the elderly in the first wave to the predicted third wave affecting the youngsters.

One difference that should also be pointed out is the reason for the massive spread and the fatalities caused by the virus. For the Spanish flu, it was due to lack of medical infrastructure and knowledge, but for Covid-19 it is purely due to human negligence and absolute disregard for the protocols put up by the authorities.

By: Deeksha Goyal

Content: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/striking-similarities-between-spanish-flu-and-covid/articleshow/82222351.cms