The 1918 Influenza Pandemic
The Spanish Flu, also known as the 1918 influenza pandemic was caused by an H1N1 virus. It spread worldwide from 1918-1919. It is estimated that about 50 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with the virus. During this time, World War I was taking place and the overcrowded conditions and movement of global troops helped to further the spread of the virus. The lack of vaccines and treatments at this time caused the virus to become a major public health crisis. To reduce the spread of the flu, officials directed people to use handkerchiefs, rest if sick, discouraged crowded areas and sharing drinking cups and towels. Public spaces were also closed in an attempt to prevent the spread. When it came to stress and mental health during the WWI and pandemic, research studies shows that both events took a toll on the emotional resilience of those living during that time. The dramatic number of lives that were lost caused many to feel helpless and anxious. Surviving health professionals were haunted by feelings of grief and despair. How did people living during this time cope with everything happening? Students were recommended to study and spread time reading. Since video calls wasn't an option, teachers were able to be reached by telephone if students had questions. In Los Angeles assignments were issued through local newspapers. Those that weren't in school spent time on the telephone, cooking, sewing, listening to music, etc.

Similarities between the pandemics:
The 1918 influenza was and the COVID-19 pandemic is spread through respiratory droplets.
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To reduce the spread, health and government officials recommended avoiding large gatherings. Public spaces such as libraries, schools, dance and pool halls, theaters and bowling alleys were closed.
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Frequent hand washing was strongly recommended to help prevent the spread of the viruses. Wearing face masks was also mandated to help to slow the spread of the viruses.
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Both pandemics occurred during major events in society. The 1918 pandemic occurred during WWI and the COVID-19 pandemic occurred during election year.
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Both viruses were considered "novel" because nobody in either era had any immunity to them.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by a the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The number of deaths within the United States is currently around 556,000. We have three vaccines for the virus: Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. Within the United States, 63 million people have been fully vaccinated. This pandemic was unexpected and proved to be a stressful time as we were entering into "the new normal": a normal where social distancing is maintained, schools are closed and public spaces can no longer be used. So how are people coping with this frustrating and scary time? There was a dramatic increase in creativity and content creation. For example, TikTok became one of the most downloaded apps of 2020. In April 2020, there were about 2 billion downloads globally. Creators posted dancing, baking, art, comedic, sing-along and even informational videos on the app. It provided an outlet for people to channel their inner anxiety and frustrations into something positive. Aside from Tiktok, people also used technology as a way to cope. Zoom became a staple for people who wanted to video or audio chat with their friends, family and communities. Keep scrolling through the next few pages to learn how areas like theology, music and art helped people power though this pandemic.
