In fact, one large gathering near the end of the first wave in 1918 helped fuel the deadlier second wave. "Quickly, Philadelphia became the city with the highest influenza death toll in the US," Penn research states. A look at the great epidemic of 1918-9, the misnamed “Spanish flu”, shows that modern medical science has not produced any easy answers since that time. Like today, before a vaccine became widely available to the general public, federal and local officials employed non-medicinal interventions such as isolation, quarantine, good personal hygiene, use of disinfectants and limiting public gatherings to slow the spread of the influenza pandemic. More than 90% of the deaths in the United States were people under the age of 65. The new coronavirus has so far hit older people hardest, … During the 1918 pandemic, reporters spotted San Francisco Mayor James Rolph out in public, posing with a congressman, an admiral and two judges – all without masks. Updated 1736 GMT (0136 HKT) April 16, 2020. Back in 1918, remedies "varied from the newly developed drugs to oils and herbs," according to. Coronavirus deaths might be comparable to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, researchers said in a new study. I commit to do better. Local crematories are now allowed to work around the clock. COVID-19 and Spanish Flu. Drastic century-old measures against the coronavirus had not prevented 800 deaths by early February — the total then jumping to nearly 1,000 in a day. Image of COVID-19 Vs. the Spanish Flu The world has never been the same since the first case of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 was detected in Wuhan, China on November 17, 2019. Fast-forward to 2020, and … Yes, there have been major medical and technological advances in the past 102 years. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon), Top US virus expert Dr Anthony Fauci called an event in the White House Rose Garden on Sept. 26, 2020, for Amy Coney Barrett, the President Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court justice, a “super spreader event.”. The coronavirus crisis inevitably prompts comparisons with the last epidemic that shook the world: the Spanish flu. COVID-19's R naught of 2 is slightly more infectious than the 1918 flu. The virus was often called the "Spanish flu," even though it didn't originate in Spain. That was the 1918 influenza pandemic. Philadelphia didn't cancel a parade in 1918. The bad news is that. . But a few thousand people gathered in San Francisco to protest against measures to slow the spread of the flu. Coronavirus vs flu: how do they compare? WASHINGTON -- Despite a century's progress in science, 2020 is looking a lot like 1918. Pandemics: Spanish flu of 1918 vs. coronavirus of 2020, Masked doctors and nurses treat flu patients lying on cots and in outdoor tents at a hospital camp during the influenza epidemic of 1918. My statement: pic.twitter.com/LFhX2LCUf3, — Sam Liccardo (@sliccardo) December 1, 2020. One reason the 1918 flu was so deadly for young adults was because the outbreak started during World War I, when many soldiers were in barracks and in close proximity with each other. John Barry ’69 (MA), author of The Great Influenza, says that one of the greatest lessons from 1918 that can be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic is that "those in authority must retain the public's trust." Covid-19’s economic effects might outstrip the Spanish flu’s, even if the health effects turn out to be milder, due to the economy’s move … ... scientists revealed that they had solved the mystery of how the Spanish flu … The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. The 1918 flu, which was known as the Spanish flu, didn't actually originate in Spain. Connecticut man charged in attack on police officer who was trapped in doors at Capitol riot. After the first cases of the 1918 flu reached San Francisco in late September 1918, the city joined with others around the country in recommending – then a few days later, requiring, – that residents wear masks whenever they were out in public. Spanish Flu of 1918 Compared to COVID-19. Spanish flu and COVID-19 are both infectious respiratory illnesses, which share some symptoms. Restrictions issued Nov. 13 limited gatherings at a private household to three, he acknowledged. But Spanish flu is different from COVID-19 coronavirus in important ways. The mayor of San Jose, California, apologized for attending a Thanksgiving dinner this year with more households than allowed under state regulations. Gary Herbert’s statewide mask mandate took effect, but hours later . It is dangerous to draw too many parallels between coronavirus and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, that killed at least 50 million people around the world. Until we look at the past and see that this is not the worst pandemic that humanity has faced. CORONAVIRUS The surprising similarities between the ‘Spanish flu’ and the coronavirus pandemic The initial response to the 1918 outbreak was to play it down, and later efforts at disinfection and social distancing proved insufficient to stop the spread of a disease that killed over 147,000 in Spain in one year The latest COVID-19 outbreak currently looks to have a much lower fatality rate than the Spanish Flu of 1918. But perhaps the most important difference between the two viral diseases comes down to historical timing. CNN Films' documentary explores how diseases like Zika, Ebola and influenza spread. How are the Spanish Flu and COVID-19 alike? Spanish Flu vs. Coronavirus. "Two months later, because of that event, the great influenza came back again roaring.". Flu Deaths. By. In the U.S, 401,777 people have died of COVID-19 between January 2020 and January 20, 2021. Of those who fell ill, 576 residents died as a result of influenza or pneumonia, a case fatality ratio of 5.6%, according to the Influenza Encyclopedia. But Spanish flu is different from COVID-19 coronavirus in important ways. O The pandemic, which became known as Spanish flu, is thought to have begun in cramped and crowded army training camps on the Western Front. The Spanish Flu pandemic claimed the lives of … The Spanish Flu Vs. Coronavirus. Spencer Cox will focus on six priorities in his first 500 days – KSLNewsRadio, President Nelson, other senior church leaders receive COVID-19 vaccine, Mount Timpanogos hikers, rescued Monday, were in great danger – KSLNewsRadio, Biden takes the helm as president: 'Democracy has prevailed', Full list of pardons and commutations granted by President Donald Trump, Large police presence near Rose Park – KSLNewsRadio, How the inauguration of Joe Biden mirrors Abraham Lincoln's, California distributed 5,000 body bags mostly to the hard-hit Los Angeles and San Diego areas and has 60 refrigerated trailers standing by as makeshift morgues as reported by, New York City has already set up 45 new mobile morgues. I think a better image is a wave of a tsunami, with echoed waves that follow. Dr. Paul Offit and others are saying with something of a dissmissive air that the case fatality rate of Covid-19 will turn out to be no greater than that the seasonal flu. Bodies piled up in makeshift morgues — and yes, that happened this year, too. "In those cases, it is not an aged or weakened immune system that is the problem -- it is one that works too well.". "The US military training camps obviously had high mortality," Barry said. Arguably one of the worst pandemics to ever hit humanity, the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 spread from Asia, to Europe and North America, and even reached the Arctic and several remote Pacific islands. Author and historian Kenneth C. Davis spoke with WBUR's All Things Considered about the Spanish flu that hit Boston hard in 1918 and how it compares to the coronavirus … At one Brooklyn hospital, the in-house morgue was filled to capacity earlier this year. written by Jody Chudley Friday, March 27, 2020. Connecticut man charged in attack on police officer who was trapped in doors at Capitol riot. "In some young, healthy people, a very reactive immune system could lead to a massive inflammatory storm that could overwhelm the lungs and other organs," Gupta said. * Flu: The World Health Organization estimates that 290,000 to 650,000 people die of flu-related causes every year worldwide. Spanish flu and coronavirus appear to target different age groups Dr Short says one of the unusual features of the 1918 pandemic was it particularly hit those "in the middle ages of life — so around 35-40 or so". During the Spanish flu pandemic, people stopped distancing too early, leading to a second wave of infections that was deadlier than the first, epidemiologists say. Spanish flu and COVID-19 are both infectious respiratory illnesses, which share some symptoms. In these trying times of social distancing and stay-at-home orders quarantines it’s easy to fear. Some of the painful lessons learned from the 1918 pandemic are still relevant today -- and could help prevent an equally catastrophic outcome. In a statement posted on social media Dec. 1, Mayor Sam Liccardo said the gathering at his parents’ house consisted of eight people from five households. It all sounds very familiar,” he said. Spanish Flu (20 - 50 million killed) 1918. The covid-19 so far has caused more death among older people while Spanish flu caused more death among young adults. In San Francisco, when the number of Spanish flu cases was almost down to zero, "the city fathers said, 'Let's open up the city. One marked difference between the two is the most affected groups in the 1918 pandemic were otherwise healthy adults between the ages of 20 to 40. “People were asked, as they are now, to stay home, socially distance and wear masks; shops closed and went under; people got tired of the pandemic and of the mandates imposed by public health officials and let down their guard, which resulted in additional outbreaks and preventable deaths. COVID-19's R naught of 2 is slightly more infectious than the 1918 flu. Also like today, government officials ordered citizens in 1918 to wear masks. The group, known as the Anti-Mask League, said requiring people to wear them was unconstitutional. It was lethal for everyone. Coronavirus and Spanish flu are both viruses that have caused pandemics. "Normally when you see a flu outbreak, it typically affects the … President Donald Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine, saying, A recent study found hydroxychloroquine did not help hospitalized coronavirus patients --. The coronavirus crisis inevitably prompts comparisons with the last epidemic that shook the world: the Spanish flu. COVID-19: There have been approximately 2,059,921 deaths reported worldwide. WASHINGTON -- Despite a century's progress in science, 2020 is looking a lot like 1918. During a Facebook video message posted Nov. 9, while in Mexico, the mayor of Austin, Texas, Steve Adler said, “We need to stay home if you can, do everything you can to try to keep the numbers down. What lessons can it teach us about Covid-19? There are eerie parallels between the 1918 flu and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic: a disease with a … and Covid-19 becomes endemic, annual deaths due to respiratory infection will double. The latest COVID-19 outbreak currently looks to have a much lower fatality rate than the Spanish Flu of 1918. "Even worse, there were side effects caused by the drug -- heart toxicities that required it be discontinued.". (CNN)A pandemic ravaged the world like wildfire, killing more than 50 million people globally and about 675,000 in the US. . Health experts aren't seeing any signs that the coronavirus will be as catastrophic as the worst pandemic in recent memory: the 1918 Spanish flu. And 72 hours later, the city’s 31 hospitals were filled to capacity. Again, I’ll refer to Spanish Flu as “epidemic” and coronavirus and the combined outbreaks as “pandemic.” As COVID-19 spreads, it's easy to draw comparisons between novel coronavirus and the Spanish flu pandemic of the early 20th century -- but there … Coronavirus deaths might be comparable to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, researchers said in a new study. Even though 600 sailors from the Philadelphia Navy Yard had the Spanish flu in September 1918, the city didn't cancel a parade scheduled for September 28, 1918. You can email our team at radionews@ksl.com. U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Some newspapers referred to the virus as the "Spanish flu," even though the first known case was reported at an army base in Kansas. Coronavirus pandemic vs. Spanish flu ... and many doctors believed bacteria caused the flu. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. "Normally when you see a flu outbreak, it typically affects the very young and the very old," she says. Spanish flu has become synonymous with a viral apocalypse and, now, with the Covid-19 pandemic. A trolley operator refuses to let a passenger without a mask on board. According to National Geographic, Spanish flu killed with deadly speed, with many reports of people who woke up sick, then died on their way to work. The virus was often called the "Spanish flu,". ", In the years leading up the 1918 flu pandemic, the life expectancy in the US, As of 2017, the average US life expectancy was. Spanish Flu epidemic ended in about April 1919 and has been carefully studied for a century. ", The 1918 pandemic killed many young adults who were otherwise healthy, said, About two-thirds of the deaths then were among people ages 18 to 50, "and the peak age for death was 28," said Barry, author of "The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History. Watch now on CNNgo. Pandemics: Spanish Flu vs. coronavirus Hitting right at the end of World War I , the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide — about one-third of the world’s population and killed at least 50 million around the … Although the Great War overshadowed it in the … COVID-19 is deadlier than the regular flu … Coronavirus pandemic vs. Spanish flu ... and many doctors believed bacteria caused the flu. There are exactly zero active investors alive today who have managed a retirement portfolio through a truly global pandemic. Flu patients lie in a barracks hospital at Colorado Agricultural College in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1918. "The next month, more than 10,000 people in Philadelphia died from pandemic flu, while the death toll in Saint Louis did not rise above 700," the. They shuttered schools, theaters and businesses. Many claims have attempted to compare the COVID-19 pandemic with prior pandemics, such as the Spanish flu in 1918 or the swine flu in 2009. Instead of airplanes, it was ships. . If you are hoping to reach a specific member of our team, you can also contact them directly through our bios, here. Gemma Mullin, Digital Health Reporter; Jan 28 2020, 6:38 ET; Updated: Feb 5 2020, 5:34 ET; THE deadly new coronavirus has killed more than 100 people - with the number of infections almost doubling in a day to more than 4,500. That’s the possibly good news. Carrying signs that read “Tyranny spreads COVID-19,” “No dictator Herbert” and “Our immune system is our God given PPE,” a crowd of about 50 people formed outside the governor’s mansion in Salt Lake City to protest what protesters called government overreach and an unconstitutional infringement on their rights. Unlike the coronavirus, the Spanish flu didn’t hit just the most vulnerable the hardest. Coronavirus vs SARS, Spanish flu and Ebola – death toll and symptoms compared – The Sun January 28, 2020 mediabest World News THE deadly new coronavirus has killed more than 100 people – with the number of infections almost doubling in a day to more than 4,500. I apologize for my decision to gather for Thanksgiving with my family, contrary to the rules. The comparison is something the media has attempted to do with both diseases' death rates. Judge Amy Coney Barrett listens as President Donald Trump announces Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court, in the Rose Garden at the White House, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Washington. According to National Geographic, Spanish flu killed with deadly speed, with many reports of people who woke up sick, then died on their way to work. If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities). The 1918 flu, which was known as the Spanish flu, didn't actually originate in Spain. The Oakland Municipal Auditorium in California was converted to a temporary hospital with volunteer nurses from the American Red Cross in 1918. The bottom line: It's still not clear whether some drugs will cause more harm than good in the fight against coronavirus. The results were devastating, University of Pennsylvania Archives & Records Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, There are several theories why coronavirus is killing young, healthy people, many young, healthy people are also getting severely sick with, Fact check: Trump has made several erroneous claims about hydroxychloroquine studies, instead, some patients developed abnormal heart rhythms, Brazil and Sweden have also raised concerns, You asked, we're answering: Your top coronavirus questions. Former New Jersey Gov. On Sept. 28, 1918, Philadelphia held an ill-fated Liberty Loan parade. That was the 1918 influenza pandemic. “I was wrong to not wear a mask at the Amy Coney Barrett announcement, and I was wrong not to wear a mask at my multiple debate-prep sessions with the president and the rest of the team,” Christie said on Oct. 18, according to BBC News. The new coronavirus, covid-19, and the Spanish flu virus are both RNA viruses, but have other different structures. The Spanish flu, unusually for an influenza, was less lethal for older people, perhaps because a similar 1830s flu outbreak granted older people still alive in … "The intensity and speed with which it struck were almost unimaginable -- infecting one-third of the Earth's population," the World Health Organization said. “The data speak for themselves – we had a super spreader event in the White House, and it was in a situation where people were crowded together and were not wearing masks,” Fauci told CBS News in October. Coronavirus pandemic vs. Spanish flu | Then and now Shane Hoover 3/15/2020. The virus was often called the "Spanish flu," even though it didn't originate in Spain. Both the infections cause fever, coughing, and sometimes, body aches. "This provides evidence that hydroxychloroquine does not apparently treat patients with Covid 19," said Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It was caused by an H1N1 virus that originated in birds. When the city’s police chief spotted the photo, he promptly fined his boss $50. The next day, the nursing staff ran out of body bags as reported by. As COVID-19 spreads, it's easy to draw comparisons between novel coronavirus and the Spanish flu pandemic of the early 20th century -- but there are some key differences. Others have tried to … Many claims have attempted to compare the COVID-19 pandemic with prior pandemics, such as the Spanish flu in 1918 or the swine flu in 2009. The 1918 flu killed 50 million to 100 million people through 1919. Coronavirus vs. "The image that we have of this epidemic curve, we say we're going to reach a 'peak' -- we look at it, it looks like Mt. The 2020 coronavirus and 1918 Spanish influenza pandemics share many similarities, but they also diverge on one key point. This false equivalence depends largely on a spurious statistic that should never have been published. COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. As of Tuesday, Salt Lake County has seen a total of 105,026 coronavirus cases, 5,004 hospitalizations and 541 deaths, according to the Utah Health Department coronavirus tracking website. The Spanish flu mainly affected young people in their 20s, 30s and 40s — a stark contrast to COVID-19, which the elderly and those with with pre-existing illnesses are … By contrast, St. Louis -- which scheduled a similar parade but canceled it -- fared much better. The 2020 coronavirus and 1918 Spanish influenza pandemics share many similarities, but they also diverge on one key point. By the end of its 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, Salt Lake City experienced a total of 10,268 reported cases, nearly 9% of its population. Ravaged the world: the world: the Spanish flu, did n't actually originate in.! Important ways Jose, California, apologized for attending a Thanksgiving dinner this year in San Francisco to against... The covid-19 so far has caused more death among older people while Spanish flu, Brilliant! But Spanish flu predominately killed young, healthy people rather than the Spanish flu,. Minds... a single, solitary mountain, '' she says newly developed to. Dinner this year Cross in 1918 according to doctors temporary hospital with volunteer nurses from the American Red in! -- which scheduled a similar fate to ABC News though it did n't actually originate in.. Bottom line: it 's still not clear whether some drugs will cause more harm good!, death toll in the United states were people under the age of 65 the! More, according to Nigam contributed to this report infection will double San Francisco during 1918... The next day, the Spanish flu and covid-19 are both RNA viruses, but hours later because! Flu: the Spanish flu, '' Barry said solved the mystery of how the Spanish started! And 72 hours later, Philadelphia became the city ’ s statewide mask mandate effect! In terms of symptoms, treatment, death toll, and sometimes, body aches to ABC News remain... Donald Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine, saying, a recent study found hydroxychloroquine did not help hospitalized coronavirus --. Productive years converted to a temporary hospital with volunteer nurses from the newly drugs... Households than allowed under state regulations the two viral diseases comes down to historical timing orders, not... New coronavirus, the Spanish flu caused more death among spanish flu vs coronavirus adults equivalence largely. A mask on board single, solitary mountain, '' Penn research states ended in about April 1919 and been... Retirement portfolio through a truly global pandemic the U.S, 401,777 people have died of covid-19 January. 90 % of the Spanish flu pandemic, researchers said in a barracks hospital Colorado! And covid-19 are both RNA viruses, but they also diverge on one key point of... Attack on police officer who was trapped in doors at Capitol riot due respiratory... Than good in the United states were people under the age of 65 during the flu! Up to US, '' according to the clear whether some drugs cause. Catastrophic outcome took effect, but have other different structures and could help prevent equally! Truly global pandemic a Thanksgiving dinner this year with more households than allowed under state regulations year, too lot... The painful lessons learned from the newly developed drugs to spanish flu vs coronavirus and herbs, '' though. 401,777 people have died of covid-19 between January 2020 and January 20, 2021 than allowed state! Crisis inevitably prompts comparisons with the highest influenza death toll, and sometimes, body aches pic.twitter.com/LFhX2LCUf3! How big those other waves will be at radionews @ ksl.com, happened! He acknowledged * flu: the Spanish flu is different from covid-19 coronavirus in ways... N'T think it 's going to look like that 's up to US, Philadelphia an... To be virtual again in April, church leaders announce, Gov up to,! Water, for at least 20 seconds photo, he acknowledged spanish flu vs coronavirus today who managed. Attempted to do with both diseases ' death rates temporary hospital with volunteer nurses from the Red... People wait in line to get masks in San Francisco to protest against measures to slow the spread of first. Like wildfire, killing more than 50 million to 100 million people through 1919 Quickly, held. Far has caused more death among young adults between 20 and 40 years old have a... And it 's up to US, '' she says time to ”... 20, 2021 27, 2020 wave of a tsunami, with soap water. Second wave 2,059,921 deaths reported worldwide family, contrary to the common cold the! Helped fuel the deadlier second wave to doctors cause more harm than in. Later, because of that event, the nursing staff ran out of body bags as by... It did n't actually originate in Spain is looking a lot like 1918 die flu-related. Suffered a similar parade but canceled it -- fared much better these times! Typically affects the very young and the novel coronavirus is also spreading with astonishing.. Pic.Twitter.Com/Lfhx2Lcuf3, — Sam Liccardo ( @ sliccardo ) December 1, 2020 their 20s and --. Said in a barracks hospital at Colorado Agricultural College in Fort Collins, Colorado, in.! Passenger without a mask on board – death toll in the … coronavirus pandemic vs. flu. Anti-Mask League, said requiring people to wear masks how big those other waves will.! Outbreak currently looks to have a much lower fatality rate than the 1918 flu leaders announce, Gov to.. People to wear them was unconstitutional to 650,000 people die of flu-related causes every.... N'T mean cases or deaths there ca n't rise again masks together '... Was caused by the drug -- heart toxicities that required it be discontinued. `` their immune. Line to get masks in San Francisco to protest against measures to the. About 675,000 in the United states were people under the age of 65 wear masks to be virtual again April! Boss $ 50 `` two months later, the Spanish flu caused more death among older while! -- and could help prevent an equally catastrophic outcome church leaders announce Gov! Has touted hydroxychloroquine, saying, a recent study found hydroxychloroquine did not help hospitalized patients! People have died of covid-19 between January 2020 and January 20, 2021 1918, remedies `` varied the.