1918 influenza epidemic has remained unique. The disease is presumed to have started after sick farm animals infected soldiers. The influenza virus sickened tens of millions and spread widely and rapidly. In the western world, for instance, the virus was signified with extreme virulence. This essay is thus concerned with highlighting what was unique about the 1918 influenza epidemic. Besides, it is devoted to examine how scientists raced to control this epidemic.
The unequaled speed and ferocity that the virus exploded across the world makes the virus unique. According to Barry (2005), what was unique about influenza is the rate at which it killed people. In twenty four months alone, for instance, it killed more people than the number killed by AIDS in twenty four years. Besides, it killed more people than the total number of blacks killed for a century.
Accordingly, the influenza was unique in the sense that it was the only disease known to have spread and mutated into lethal strains that killed more individuals in one year than the number killed by Middle Ages plague in a century. Also, as Barry (2005) asserts, what made the influenza very unique is that the influenza’s victims profusely bled from nose, ears, besides turning blue. The clinicians of the time argued that it was the only disease ushered in by acute febrile disease. In its second phase, however, it demonstrated intense congestion of mucous membranes. The aches victims suffered were more like breaking bones. According to Barry (2005), this was one unique feature of influenza. Its reinforced complex structure made its control impossible. Distinctively, the influenza virus replicated itself in a unique fashion. Infected individuals who were outstandingly healthy died within twelve hours.
The scientists raced to control this epidemic by carrying out researches to create vaccines and to comprehend what caused the disease. They also carried various tests to ascertain whether the disease was a new disease.
Work cited
Barry, J. M. The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History. 1st edition. Viking Adult. 2005.
