1918 Influenza (Flu) Pandemic – article by Jaqueline Feliz
Over a century ago, in the fall of 1918, the Influenza (Spanish flu) Pandemic affected Oregon in many similar ways as the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. The 1918 flu virus was “novel”, meaning humans had not been exposed to it before and had no immunity to it. The flu intensified quickly as it was spread through airborne droplets of coughs and sneezes and attacked the respiratory system. Measures to contain the spread of the flu, such as shut down of public gathering places, social distancing, quarantines, and hygiene practices including covering coughs and sneezes, and hand washing, were set in place.
Here a few links to read more about this historical event:
https://www.influenzaarchive.org/cities/city-portland.html
How Oregon Reacted To The Pandemic Of 1918
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Oregon
Article Written by - Jacqueline Feliz is a SERV-OR volunteer and a member of the Bulletin Development Team (BDT).