Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918

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Memories of the great Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 - 1919.

As the First World War came to a close, a great flu epidemic raged through large parts of western Europe, killing thousands. Memories from doctors and patients in Wales of the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 - 1919 and the effects in particular on soldiers returning home from the trenches of the First World War.
From: People's History of Wales Kill or Cure
First broadcast : 07 March 1996

Teachers' notes

Age Group : 11-14,14-16

Subject : History

Topic : Modern Wales and Britain, Politics of Society 1918-1939

Keywords : Health and medicine, Spanish flu, First World War

Notes : There have been several great flu epidemics throughout the 20th century and more recently. Compare them in terms of effectiveness and final outcomes. Are there lessons in the clip for today's fear of "bird flu"?


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