The H1N1 influenza virus pandemic, often referred to as the Spanish Flu, spread across the world in 1918 and 1919. It is believed to have infected about 500 million people, which was at the time about one third of the world's population.
The global death toll was estimated to have been between 17 and 50 million people, and may have been as high as 100 million. It is classified as one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. Nearly 12,000 Australians perished during the pandemic.
To add some local context, below are some snippets from a few Western Australian newspapers. We wouldn't suggest smoking, as recommended in the second one!
From The Geraldton Express, 4 December 1918:
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From The West Australian, 19 June 1919:
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From The Geraldton Guardian, 12 August 1919:
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From The West Australian, 7 October 1919: |
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