The flu is not a new virus. In fact, its’ earliest recorded occurrences can be traced as far back as the 1300’s. Tons of vaccinations and inoculations have been made over the years to combat influenza and its many strains. So why have we not been able to eradicate the disease?
To put it simply, the flu is a continuously evolving virus. It constantly mutates into new forms, and so any immunities we develop or vaccines we invent will only be good until a novel strain develops. Unfortunately, this is what has happened with the newest and arguably most dangerous strain, the Corona virus.
However, there are still things we can do to try and protect ourselves and the ones we care about. Wear face masks, such as the N95 mask, wash your hands and face frequently and practice social distancing.
The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1981
New strains of influenza are definitely something to worry about. Back in the year 1918, a unique strain developed that was dubbed the “Spanish Flu”, a name that was actually inaccurate, as the virus is now thought to have developed somewhere in the vicinity of Kansas. The virus went on to kill over 50 million people worldwide, despite the medical world’s most valiant efforts.
There have been about three noticeably large pandemics similar to the Spanish Influenza strain in the last 300 years. Corona is believed to be the fourth.