The COVID-19 pandemic that the world is currently experiencing parallels a similar reality of 100 years ago. Over 1918-1919, the Spanish Influenza, which began in Kansas, eventually claimed hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. The virus spread from one infected individual to the Fort Ripley Military Base as American troops were preparing to embark for military duty in Europe (shortly after the USA's late entry into World War I).
Carried to France by the US troops, the virus soon spread to Spain in epidemic proportions. Thus, it was named the "Spanish Flu" (otherwise, may have been known as the Kansas or the United States Flu). In New Brunswick, 35,000 of its many victims died. In Hillsborough, seven people died from the Spanish Flu.
Whereas the Spanish Flu was spread by shipping people overseas who had unknowingly been infected, today we are bringing home Canadians who are abroad and putting them in quarantine. We are all conscious of the need to self-quarantine as much as possible. This is our best defense even though our current medical knowledge and care are much more advanced than 100 years ago. Media coverage is greatly advanced as well. These advances, however, hardly match the strength of the virus.
Medical experts are working hard to come up with a treatment and a vaccine. We must each work hard to disinfect surfaces; sanitize our hands often; cover our mouths and noses when coughing, sneezing or being close to others; and be less affectionate (a challenge since New Brunswickers are prone to hugging!). Although the recommendation is to keep 2 metres apart, the other side of the street may be a better rule of thumb. Throw a kiss - but don't touch your lips in doing so! Keep well. Be wise. Be safe. Be a blessing.
Sources: Times & Transcript, Moncton, Mar. 16, 2020, p. A5; The Albert Journal, Oct. 30, 1918.
-- Roland Hutchinson, Hillsborough
Whereas the Spanish Flu was spread by shipping people overseas who had unknowingly been infected, today we are bringing home Canadians who are abroad and putting them in quarantine. We are all conscious of the need to self-quarantine as much as possible. This is our best defense even though our current medical knowledge and care are much more advanced than 100 years ago. Media coverage is greatly advanced as well. These advances, however, hardly match the strength of the virus.
Medical experts are working hard to come up with a treatment and a vaccine. We must each work hard to disinfect surfaces; sanitize our hands often; cover our mouths and noses when coughing, sneezing or being close to others; and be less affectionate (a challenge since New Brunswickers are prone to hugging!). Although the recommendation is to keep 2 metres apart, the other side of the street may be a better rule of thumb. Throw a kiss - but don't touch your lips in doing so! Keep well. Be wise. Be safe. Be a blessing.
Sources: Times & Transcript, Moncton, Mar. 16, 2020, p. A5; The Albert Journal, Oct. 30, 1918.
-- Roland Hutchinson, Hillsborough
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