Friday, May 1, 2009

Test your knowledge of pandemic history...



While there is much concern about the current outbreaks of swine flu, history once again reminds us that we have survived difficult times before.

The 1918 Flu Pandemic was one of those times.

In fact, let's test your knowledge of flu history:

True or False: The influenze epidemic of 1918 killed more people than died in World War I.

Hard as it is to imagine, the answer is TRUE.

According to the National Archives, World War I claimed an estimated 16 million lives. The influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. One fifth of the world's population was attacked by this deadly virus.

Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.

Learn more by visiting the National Archives 1918 Influenze Exhibit online.

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