Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others all had their own cures for the Spanish flu. But some of these may have made things worse.
British runner Albert Hill winning the 800-meter run at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.
Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie, EI-13 (727)
The IOC was under considerable pressure to host the 1920 games. While a noble goal, it resulted in significant hardships for war-torn Belgium and the athletes themselves.
Spanish Flu spread around the world in 1918 and 1919. At least 20 million died.
Vintage_Space/Alamy
It’s always dangerous to put present-day events into historic perspectives. That’s especially true when political leaders have compared the coronavirus pandemic to a war effort.
A list of rules from the U.S. Public Health Service in 1918 to reduce the chances of contracting or spreading the devastating flu pandemic.
Getty Images / Fototeca Storica Nazionale
Australia’s island identity and attitude to border security was forged from handling pandemics since the time of federation. Here’s what we’ve learned along the way.
Gravediggers in Brazil’s Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo, exhume old graves to make way for more victims of COVID-19.
Sebastiao Moreira/EPA
Children may have fallen behind on their vaccination schedules during the pandemic, increasing the risk that COVID-19 may be followed by outbreaks of once-eradicated diseases.
There are many similarities between Spanish flu and coronavirus, from school closures to mask debates. The story of 1919 also shows governments face choices that can have a terrible cost in lives.
A bottle of Covid Organics, a herbal tea that authorities in Madagascar gave to students.
Photo by Rijasolo/AFP via Getty Images
Over 30 countries today are making people wear masks in public, despite serious doubts from scientists.
Economists are using models to try to determine what short- and long-term impacts the coronavirus pandemic will have on the global economy.
(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
As countries get ready to re-open their economies, will there be a post-pandemic recovery? History and current economic models suggest those looking for a quick rebound will be disappointed.
The Trump administration was not alone with its slow response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Getty Images / White House Pool