The Pandemic
Approximately what fraction of the world's population became infected with the Spanish Flu?
One-third (about 500 million people).
Which major war was taking place when the Spanish Flu pandemic began?
World War I.
Approximately how many Canadians died during the Spanish Flu pandemic?
50,000.
True or false: Historians have proven that the Spanish Flu originated in Spain.
False. Its precise geographic origin remains uncertain.
Approximately how many people died worldwide during the Spanish Flu pandemic?
At least 50 million, according to a commonly used estimate.
Name two military conditions or forms of transportation that helped influenza spread.
Any two: crowded military camps or barracks, troop ships, trains, or troop movements between locations.
What major decision did Vancouver make about its public schools on October 18, 1918?
Public schools were closed.
Why did Spain become associated with the name Spanish Flu?
Neutral Spain's newspapers reported outbreaks relatively openly, while wartime restrictions affected reporting elsewhere.
Which age group experienced unusually high death rates during the pandemic?
Healthy young adults, particularly ages 20–40.
Which of the three major pandemic waves was the deadliest, and when did it occur?
The second wave, in autumn 1918.
What did Vancouver General Hospital establish on UBC's original Fairview campus in October 1918?
An emergency influenza hospital ward with approximately 100 additional beds.
Approximately what percentage of Western Samoa's population died after influenza arrived in November 1918?
About 22%, or roughly one in five people.
Name two medical treatments or preventive tools available today that doctors did not have in 1918.
Influenza vaccines and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
Which military camp in Kansas experienced one of the earliest documented U.S. influenza outbreaks in March 1918?
Camp Funston.
Why did Vancouver's Medical Health Officer initially oppose closing schools?
He believed children could be monitored by teachers and school medical staff at school and might face greater exposure outside school.
Why did Japanese Canadian community members organize a temporary influenza hospital at Strathcona School?
They faced barriers to accessing medical care and organized treatment for their community.