A FLU LIKE NO OTHER
The 1918 flu pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere and spread like wildfire, burning its way through every continent except Antarctica. Unlike previous flu outbreaks, this one targeted healthy young adults, killing so many so quickly that hospitals ran out of beds, morgues ran out of space, and cities ran out of coffins. In an excerpt from our archives, science writer Dr. Paul de Kruif writes about his experience with “the greatest pestilence of our time” and the devastation left in its wake.
It’s certainly strange what a few years will do to the way you feel about living and dying, not only about yourself but
