The year 1918 is an “unprecedented” period in human history: the First World War is still going on, and a deadly plague is about to ravage the earth. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 affected nearly 500 million people, about one-third of the world’s population, and killed about 50 million people over the next two years. It is considered one of the deadliest epidemics known to mankind since the Black Death of the 14th century.
This documentary provides a clear and concise account of how one of the greatest human disasters in modern history unfolded. Spanish flu is caused by the H1N1 influenza virus and, despite its name, did not originate in Spain. The first reported cases began in March 1918 at a barracks in Fulston, Kansas, where some 30,000 soldiers were training for war. On March 4, more than 100 soldiers contracted the flu and showed the same symptoms, including high fever, body aches, severe cough and headache.
By the end of the month, more than 1,000 people were being infected every day, but military leaders were not overly concerned because the men recovered quickly. When these soldiers were deployed across Europe, they carried the virus with them. Many ships turned into infected floating barges. However, as the immediate priority is to get troops to the front lines, nothing is being done to stop the spread. But with more than 100,000 soldiers arriving each week to mingle with the local population, Europe and the world stood no chance against the Spanish flu.
As the war progressed, more and more countries were affected, but nothing was done to stop the spread. Governments, military authorities and even the media on both sides of the conflict have remained silent, unwilling to let the enemy know how bad the situation is or to avoid widespread panic among already tense populations. Spain is a neutral country, and when their king fell ill, the Spanish media finally broke the news of the disease. Hence the name.
Two years after the war ended, the virus continued to rage, mutating in about four or five deadly waves. Hospitals are overwhelmed, funerals cannot keep up with the death toll, and the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. After months of silence from health authorities, there has suddenly been a deluge of information about precautionary measures.
Many countries have their own ways of dealing with the spread. Public gatherings are banned, schools, churches and theaters are closed, among other things. Wearing masks became mandatory, despite protests from some that they violated personal liberties. Schools encourage hand washing and enforce social distancing. With no real cure for the flu, many so-called cures slipped through the woods, including aspirin, bourbon, scotch, cognac, quinine, and even laxatives, along with snake oil and quack remedies.
About 18 to 24 months after the first infection was reported in Kansas, the pandemic finally came to an end. No vaccine has been developed, and most survivors are attributed to herd immunity.
Director Paul Le Grouyer
