Influenza in London
explanatory Essay
1095 words
GLOBAL INFLUENZA REPORT: LONDON
Bill Smith is a Health Correspondent for the "The Times" in London. He sends weekly reports to the Irvine World News.
For the week of 22 October to 29 October 1918.
With an end to the war on the horizon London continues to be ravaged by the Spanish Flu. As reported in The Times "The general death-rate last week increased to 41 per 1,000 of the population per annum compared with 12 at the same period last year. This is the highest death-rate for over 20 years."1
As a result of the current drastic increase in the number of people inflicted with the flu, all sectors of Society are being gravely impacted. In many areas schools are being closed with the reasons for closure being vast, the primary reason being the effort to prevent the spread of influenza amongst pupils. In other areas schools are being closed due to a lack of healthy staff. However, some medical authorities believe that the closing of schools is unnecessary, as closing schools would "...simply release the children and allow them to congregate in places where the danger of infection is greatest. [At the moment] Efficient ventilation and segregation are considered the best means of fighting the disease."2 In other sectors of public service, telephone services have been impacted as the complement of healthy telephonists has decreased.3 In Sleugh, as well as in many other communities, post offices have been closed, as postmasters have not been available. Additionally, Omnibus services are starting to be affected and it is expected that the number of schedule changes will increase if the outbreak is not brought under control.
More concerning is that in several areas emergency services have been greatly reduced. As of Saturday 26 October "There were stated to be 1,300 members of the Metropolitan Police Force suffering from the disease yesterday, and in 25 cases it proved fatal.... Eighty-two members of the London Fire Brigade are off duty owing to influenza."4 Lord Nelson, of the Mayfair Community Council expressed the sentiment that he and his fellow residents are extremely distressed with the number of police and fire fighters inflicted with the flu, and that they hope that their fellow citizens will continue to be extra vigilant so that the services of these people will not be needed unnecessarily.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that bill smith is a health correspondent for the "the times" in london. he sends weekly reports to the irvine world news.
- Explains that many boroughs have issued orders to help control the spread of influenza.
- Cites the times of london on microfilm in the langson library at the university of california, irvine as the source for the article.
- Explains that london continues to be ravaged by the spanish flu, with the death-rate increasing to 41 per 1,000 of the population per annum compared with 12 at the same period last year.
- States that the army council will monitor the price fixing of quinine in an effort to control the exorbitant prices which some doctors are charging their patients for this extract.
Related
- explanatory
- opinion
- analytical
- comparative
- Influenza in New Yorkexplanatory essayInfluenza in New York NEW YORK: October 5.--The influenza virus is a common disease, which has been prevalent in society for many years. This year however we are seeing an influenza epidemic hitting not only the United States but also the entire world. This strain of influenza has been named "Spanish Influenza" and is much more volatile and deadly than the usual strain of influenza. The common influenza strain usually surfaces in the cold months of winter and this strain is no different, however it is unusually deadly.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the spanish influenza strain is more volatile and deadly than the usual strain of influenza. the fatality rate is much higher for people ages 15-45 compared to the common influenza strain.
- Explains that the spanish influenza is spreading rapidly because of the war, with soldiers coming home from war to cities like new york and bringing the virus with them.
- Describes the steps taken by the public health department to curb the rapid spread of the disease into the civilian population.
- Explains that the public health department is making spanish influenza a reportable disease to ensure the public health department is aware of who has the disease, how many people are infected, and can begin to gain some control over it.
- Explains that the health commissioner discussed all possible options with the heads of departments and met with departmental staff of nurses and the medical inspectors of every district in new york.
- Opines that the regulation of business hours may not concern most citizens of new york, but amusements such as theatres, boxing matches and so forth are not so easily accepted.
- Opines that the health department and health commissioner, dr. copeland, hope that these regulations will stop the spread of the spanish influenza virus in new york and reduce the number of fatalities caused by this epidemic.
893 wordsRead More - Influenza Pandemic Effects On Public Healthexplanatory essayEffect of Public Health The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 had a major effect on the public health in America at the time. Coordination between different levels and branches of government improved communication regarding the spread of influenza, improved the amount of people in hospitals, increased the spread of vaccines, and led to improvements in infection control and containment of the flu. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1997248/). Authoritative Measures
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the influenza pandemic of 1918 had a major effect on the public health in america at the time. coordination between different levels and branches of government improved communication regarding the spread of influenza.
- Explains that the influenza pandemic shocked many and brought it to the attention of the government. public health authorities in the united states created their plan of containment similar to what they did with the bubonic plague.
- Explains that there were various treatments that were created to combat the influenza pandemic, most of which failed to do their proper job.
- Explains that patients with the influenza virus were characterized by common symptoms of the flu, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Explains that new tests allowed physicians to have a plan of action and knowledge using scientific instruments. they used blood and sputum cultures to find the cause of the deadly disease.
- Explains that scientists worked hard to isolate the bacillus influenzae bacteria responsible for the influenza pandemic. nicolle and le bailly's experiments proved that influenza was caused by a submicroscopic infectious agent.
- Explains the rapid decline in public services during the pandemic. the only businesses that thrived were funeral parlors, which had more work than they could handle.
- Explains how the american public health association's report outlined the various ways in which the virus could be prevented.
- Explains that the treatment for the influenza pandemic was largely symptomatic, and nurses played a more important role than did physicians.
1952 wordsRead More - Influenza Feveropinion essayInfluenza Fever DUBLIN, Ireland-- It seems as though this year is not a good year for people as we have the big war going on and at home, people are stuck with a disease that the doctors do not know how to make it stop spreading. The epidemic has reached a boiling point as everyone is affected by this disease and it does not matter whether the person lives in Dublin, Ireland or Frankfurt, Germany, the disease still spreads. People dreaded to hear that they have been infected by that disease, they do not want to hear "influenza" is the disease that they are suffering from. Although the government has put out public notices that the disease is not infectious and tells people of ways to prevent as well as detect the disease, people are still afraid of it.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the epidemic has reached a boiling point as everyone is affected by this disease, no matter whether the person lives in dublin, ireland or frankfurt, germany.
- Explains that although the government has put out public notices that the disease is not infectious, people are still afraid of it. they are gullible enough to believe that a certain type of nutrition tablet could help them to maintain vitality in their system.
- Opines that the latest trend will boggle anyone who has a sensible mind. a water company has advertised that people should not drink normal water because it has micro-organisms that lead to influenza.
- Explains that the disease has spread so much that students refuse to go to school because the parents are afraid that their children will get it from one of their classmates. the children don't mind the homeless men making their home along the narrow strip of the street
- Opines that doctors and nurses are important to patients, but they aren't immune to the disease as people think. one doctor said he was understaffed and overworked, and his nurses were infected.
- Opines that a reporter's life should not be as dangerous as the life of the soldier, but one has to do his job, even if it is dangerous.
888 wordsRead More - The Spanish Influenza Pandemicexplanatory essayIn the fall of 1918, as thousands of soldiers were dying in the trenches of Europe, thousands more were dying in the hospitals and barracks of what would come to be known as the “Spanish Influenza.” While the war largely confined its destructive effects to the armies of the United States and Europe, the Spanish influenza showed no restraint to killing men, women, and children all over the world. Over the course of the year, between 20 and 50 million people were killed by the influenza virus. At the time, the virus causing the influenza pandemic was not isolated. By the epidemiology and characteristic symptoms of the disease, observers identified the disease with influenza outbreaks of the past. However, its speed at which it spread, the three epidemic waves in quick succession, and its preference for the young and healthy all suggested that this influenza outbreak was unique.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the spanish influenza pandemic killed between 20 and 50 million people over the course of the year.
- Explains that the 1918 influenza strain offers the potential to understand the connection between how the virus was dealt with in the past and how it is understood today.
- Explains that the spanish influenza swept across the world in three waves between 1918 and 1919. the public health service had just begun to require states and local health departments to report diseases in the community.
- Explains that the spanish influenza pandemic was reached during the fall of 1918. the war effort and limited scientific knowledge contributed to its gravity.
- Explains that physicians assumed horizontal transmission from person to person was spread by sneezing and coughing. scientists and physicians were able to identify causative agents of other diseases that were the cause of the prevalent diseases at the time.
- Explains that pfeiffer's bacillus was claimed to be the root cause of influenza, which is now known as haemophilus influenza.
- Explains that there were no antibiotics to help those stricken with co-infections caused by pneumonia, bronchitis, or antivirals to reduce viral spread and replication.
- Explains that the american health association issued a report outlining appropriate ways to prevent the spread of the influenza epidemic.
- Explains that influenza research led to a better understanding of the influenza virus, with amino acid sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis.
- Explains that public health is advanced, with better prevention knowledge, influenza surveillance, and trained personnel at all levels. there are established prevention programs featuring annual vaccines and national and international prevention infrastructure.
- Concludes that the 1918 spanish influenza pandemic was a significant milestone in history. it still retains the capacity to remind us how difficult disease prevention and control remain in societies.
1269 wordsRead More - The Influenza and Pneumonia Epidemic of 1918-1919analytical essayThe Influenza and Pneumonia Epidemic of 1918-1919 In the ten months between September 1918 and June 1919, 675,000 Americans died of influenza and pneumonia. When compared to the number of Americans killed in combat in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam combined- 423,000- it becomes apparent that the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 was far more deadly than the war which it accompanied. (Crosby, 206-207)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 was far more deadly than the war which it accompanied. the united states and the rest of the world had been exposed to such epidemics in the past.
- Explains that the influenza epidemic came in two waves. the first wave took far fewer victims than the second.
- Explains that the second, deadlier wave of influenza was just about ready to unleash itself on the world. the spanish influenza virus mutated and epidemics of unprecedented virulence exploded in the same week in three port cities thousands of miles apart.
- Explains that the influenza epidemic caused more deaths than any of the other epidemics which had preceded it, largely because of a general lack of awareness.
- Explains that the denver post ran an article to inform readers of how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. bacteriological tests did not provide further insight, and doctors around the country argued the merits and drawbacks of various diagnostic methods.
- Explains that the spring wave of flu went largely unnoticed because the united states did not have a sufficient network of federal, state, and local public health departments.
- Analyzes how the rapidly advancing american war effort contributed to the lack of attention paid to victims of the spring flu.
- Analyzes how the flu received a lot of attention in europe- more than it did in the united states.
- Analyzes how boston and massachusetts fooled themselves as to the seriousness of the influenza epidemic. boston's good health encouraged officials not to examine the epidemic too closely.
- Opines that growing awareness of the flu epidemic did not prevent americans from doing a very efficient job of spreading the virus from sea to sea.
- Explains that the lack of solid information contributed directly to the huge number of deaths from flu. the united states public health service needed daily reports from every state.
- Explains that the usphs struggled with a lack of organization in its efforts to fight the flu.
- Explains that congress offered the fourth liberty loan, consisting of six billion dollars in bonds, to the american people. the thousands of meetings and rallies, and millions of door-to-door solicitations involved in the bond drive served only to encourage the spread
- Explains that the armed forces played a crucial role in exacerbating the influenza epidemic. the navy carried the flu from coast to coast on troopships, and the army did the same on its railways.
- Explains that the tight quarters offered for traveling soldiers guaranteed the rapid spread of any respiratory illness among troops. the intense physical training the men underwent in camps only helped to weaken their resistance.
- Explains that urban dwellers and immigrant populations, who had little or no experience with public health principles of sanitation and quarantine, contributed to the epidemic.
- Explains that large public gatherings in support of the war brought masses of people together to breathe on each other and spread the flu.
- Analyzes how overwork and overexposure to the disease took its toll on those fighting it, decimating their forces even more. the constant wearing of masks did little to prevent the spread of the flu from patients to caregivers.
- Analyzes how the accumulation of corpses created opportunities for secondary epidemics caused by the organisms which live in dead flesh. america's cities were hardest-hit victims of the epidemic.
- Analyzes how people's indifference to the flu epidemic of 1918-1919 led to rapid and deadly spread of the disease. president woodrow wilson considered the amount of time and money put into flu research the most that had ever been devoted to a single disease
- Analyzes how the flu news paled in comparison to the news coming from the european front. most people had already lived through at least one epidemic of some disease.
- Opines that the war itself was probably the most important cause of people's indifference to the epidemic.
- Analyzes how the flu moved quickly, killed ambiguously, and spared the rich and famous for the most part; all factors contributed to its lack of remembrance.
- Explains that the flu epidemic helped the war rob america of almost 800,000 lives, but the disease itself had some help too. the american public health system is one of, if not the, best in the world today at preventing the spread of communicable disease.
2976 wordsRead More - The Influenza of 1918analytical essayAfter World War I had ended, American citizens celebrated with joy as they welcomed the American soldiers back home. What Americans did not realize was that the end of World War I was just the beginning of a year of devastation. Upon returning home from the fronts, the soldiers were not only welcomed home by the citizens of America, but also introduced a new threat that led to much desolation throughout the American nation. Following the return of the army, reported cases of the flu had significantly risen. The influenza was different from the other illnesses people faced, because it differed genetically from previous influenzas. At first, this was not a concern since physicians had already obtained vaccines and treatments for the flu. What these physicians did not consider was that each year the influenza changes because it becomes resistant to the antibiotics and changes in its genetic marker. This led to the importance of locating the source of the virus. Due to the lack of preparation and knowledge of technology in 1918, the plague was easily transmitted throughout the United States at a rapid speed, threatening the lives of numerous citizens. Because it caused such a widespread of fear and sickness among the American public, it encouraged scientists and physicians to discover a cure to prevent more deaths. Upon searching for the initial cause of the plague and the cure for it, which was critical to avoid spreading and causing further harm, it influenced newer technology to be created helping prevent a similar outbreak in the future.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the end of world war i was just the beginning of a year of devastation.
- Explains that there are many theories as to how the plague began. the first known cases of the flu appeared in brest, france.
- Analyzes how the spanish flu was misdiagnosed as a flu virus, and how it affected people mentally and physically. public officials mandated that citizens wear gauze masks and ban spitting in public.
- Opines that the spread of the spanish flu was not avoided.
- Explains that the pandemic affected every person in the united states and there was no escape from the virus. emergency hospitals were created to combat the shortage of space in regular hospitals.
- Explains that the effects of the influenza were mostly negative, but some positive things happened as a result of it that changed the course of history and influenced the way medicine is practiced today.
- Explains the national archives and records administration's "the deadly virus: the influenza epidemic of 1918."
- Explains barry's the great influenza: the epic story of the deadliest plague in history.
- Cites the united states department of health and human services. the great pandemic: the us in 1918-1919.
1263 wordsRead More - Many states and colonies across the globe issued detailed sets of directives to their residents on what exactly they should do if they come into contact with the illness. One such example is the directive issued by T.W.H. Holmes, the Secretary of the Victoria Board of Public Health in Australia. The directive details the symptoms, complications, treatment, and prevention of the disease. Something very common during the outbreak of any pandemic is the use of quarantines to separate the sick and the healthy. In fact, that is the first order for prevention of disease in T.W.H. Holme...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the influenza pandemic brought about a change of expectations in the government’s role of protecting and maintaining public health.
- Concludes that the pandemic is directly responsible for the creation of many health organizations across the globe.
- States kent, susan kingsley, the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919: a brief history with documents.
- Explains that the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 occurred during the midst of world war i, and it would claim more lives than the war itself.
1160 wordsRead More - Influenza in New York Cityopinion essayInfluenza in New York City NEW YORK-- The Influenza epidemic arrived in the city last month, and it has remained a constant presence since then. The epidemic, which is now present in most major cities in America, lingers in and around the city, affecting everyone. Dr. Copeland, Health Commissioner Royal, has declared influenza to be a reportable disease. Influenza presents itself in a manner not unlike a cold: runny nose, chills, fever, coughing, sneezing.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the influenza epidemic arrived in new york city last month, and it has remained a constant presence since then.
- Explains that city officials have outlawed sneezing, coughing and spitting in public. doctors say the disease is spread through expelled mucus and saliva.
- Explains that new yorkers will enjoy serenity and space when they go into the city, even when sick people are out and about.
- Explains that city officials are monitoring travelers, keeping the sick off trains, buses, and subways. doctors point out that germs are easily spread in small, contained spaces.
- Explains that new yorkers are being drastically affected, hundreds dying of influenza each day. officer k.r. pitman noticed a difference in the people in his upper-manhattan patrol area.
- Explains that local businesses are taking a hit in profits, as their workforce and customers are getting sick.
- Opines that dr. copeland advises people to be especially clean and observant while the flu outbreak remains.
- Advises that even if you have a weak case of influenza, you should remain indoors, isolated, and avoid working, as it will not make you well and expose more people to the disease.
807 wordsRead More - influenzaanalytical essayThroughout 1918 and 1919, influenza spread quickly in three waves killing an estimated 50 million to 100 million people worldwide. With the best-recorded first case having occurred in Fort Riley, the contagious flu spread across military camps around the United States. Due to the world war, the influenza virus was brought over to Europe where it infected people in nearly every country. This disease would end up causing one of the greatest pandemics in human history, but would also catalyze great advancements in science and medicine.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that influenza spread rapidly in three waves, killing an estimated 50 million to 100 million people worldwide. the contagious flu spread across military camps around the united states.
- Explains that the influenza virus is an enveloped virus that contains eight genes that define what it is. the viral membrane envelope contains the neuraminidase (na) protein, matrix 2 (m2) ion channel, and influenza hemagglutinin (ha).
- Explains that the cell produces viral proteins that will be assembled into more viruses. the neuraminidase breaks up the sialic acid remaining on cell surface so that freshly assembled viruses don't get caught as if on flypaper.
- Analyzes barry's claim that the 1918 influenza pandemic was the first major natural disaster that mankind could confront.
- Opines that medical advancements have led to the development of vaccines, which the u.s. centers for disease control and prevention deems the best way to protect against the influenza virus.
- Analyzes how barry states that the likelihood and potential danger of another influenza pandemic is not reassuring. it feels surreal to think that something as foreign as an epidemic could happen in a place like the united states.
- Concludes that viruses are acellular particles consisting of dna or rna surrounded by protein. they do not have energy metabolism, grow or produce waste products, and don't respond to stimuli.
- Opines that barry's presentation of the science behind the virus in a historical context made the book easier to read and retain the actual scientific facts pertaining to the influenza virus.
1015 wordsRead More - New York and the Spanish Influenzacomparative essaySpanish influenza is spreading faster than health care personnel can treat it. The growing number of people being infected and the dwindling supply of doctors and nurses, already strained by the war, makes it more difficult to treat the sick and thereby slow or stop the spread of the disease. The dynamics of the situation suggests that things are going to get worse before getting better.
In this essay, the author
- Advises not to use dishes or towels that have been used by others until they've been washed.
- Advises against putting your lips against the telephone mouth piece and not into your mouth.
- Advises to keep in the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible, but wear sufficient clothing.
- Advises that one should wash their hands and face immediately upon reaching their home, and change their clothes.
- Opines that germans with fever drop in their tracks.
- Explains that liner had 5 deaths due to influenza.
- Explains that spanish influenza is spreading faster than health care personnel can treat it, and the dwindling supply of doctors and nurses makes it more difficult to treat the sick.
- Opines that the new york health board has taken drastic steps to fight influenza.
1342 wordsRead More