[PODCAST] Grippe espagnole : comment le monde a fait face à la pandémie, il y a 100 ans ?

Summary

In this podcast, Stéphane Genest revisits the Spanish flu pandemic that followed WWI, which killed 50 million globally, including 250,000 in France. The discussion with historian Charles de Saint Sauveur covers the disease's overlooked history, its rapid spread among soldiers, and the societal impact. Despite its devastating effects, the flu was overshadowed by the war and is now re-examined in the context of current pandemic awareness.

Takeaways

• 😷 The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic occurred at the end of World War I, causing over 50 million deaths globally and 250,000 in France.
• 🌐 Initially, the disease was not widely reported in France due to war censorship and other pressing concerns, and it was first documented in April 1918 among soldiers.
• 🔍 The origin of the Spanish flu is still debated, with early cases documented in the United States, and it's hypothesized that American troops brought the virus to Europe.
• 📰 Spain, being neutral in WWI, had uncensored press, which is why the disease became known as the Spanish flu despite not originating there.
• 🏥 The disease was initially underestimated, with authorities and medical professionals considering it a mild illness until its deadliness escalated in the summer and autumn of 1918.
• 🛑 The second wave of the Spanish flu in the fall of 1918 was far more lethal, catching France and the world off guard, leading to a high mortality rate especially among young adults.
• 🚑 Hospitals were overwhelmed, and medical resources were scarce, with doctors and nurses falling ill themselves, leading to a significant loss of healthcare personnel.
• 🌍 The pandemic spread worldwide, facilitated by global troop movements and the end of WWI, affecting even remote locations like Tahiti and being the first global pandemic of the 20th century.
• 📉 The pandemic's impact was largely forgotten due to its timing with the end of the war and other significant historical events, leading to a collective amnesia about its scale and consequences.
• 🔬 Modern scientific research, including genetic studies, has brought the Spanish flu out of obscurity, providing valuable insights and lessons for pandemic preparedness and response.

Q & A

What is the historical context of the Spanish flu discussed in the podcast?

The podcast discusses the Spanish flu against the backdrop of the end of World War I, highlighting the global impact of the epidemic, which killed over 50 million people worldwide, including 250,000 in France.

When did the first cases of the Spanish flu appear in military records?

The first cases of the Spanish flu were recorded in military registers on April 10, 1918, at Villers-sur-Coudun in Oise, France.

Why was the Spanish flu initially not a major concern in France during the spring of 1918?

In spring 1918, the Spanish flu was not a major concern in France as it was overshadowed by the ongoing war and military censorship. The French press was more focused on war efforts and self-censorship to avoid undermining morale.

How did the Spanish flu spread among military personnel?

The Spanish flu spread rapidly among military personnel due to close quarters in the trenches and military camps, with 400,000 soldiers affected during the first phase of the epidemic from April to late July 1918.

Why was the Spanish flu initially called 'Spanish flu' despite not originating from Spain?

The Spanish flu was named so because Spain, being neutral during the war, had no press censorship, and the disease was widely reported there, including affecting King Alfonso XIII. This led to the misconception that it originated in Spain.

What was the role of the United States in the global spread of the Spanish flu?

The United States played a significant role in the global spread of the Spanish flu, as American troops brought the virus to Europe, especially France, during their deployment to support the Allies in World War I.

How did the Spanish flu impact the end of World War I and the subsequent celebrations?

The Spanish flu impacted the end of World War I by affecting soldiers and civilians alike, and its spread was accelerated by the movement of troops and demobilization. The celebrations post-armistice in November 1918 led to a resurgence of the epidemic due to mass gatherings.

What were the medical and societal responses to the Spanish flu in France?

Medical responses included attempts to document the disease and some prophylactic measures, but they were largely inadequate. Societal responses varied, with some areas implementing mask-wearing and avoiding gatherings, but overall, the authorities were unprepared and the crisis was mismanaged.

What is the estimated global death toll of the Spanish flu?

The estimated global death toll from the Spanish flu is between 50 and 100 million people, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

Why has the Spanish flu been largely forgotten in history?

The Spanish flu was largely forgotten due to being overshadowed by the end of World War I, the focus on demobilization and reconstruction, and other significant historical events like the Russian Revolution. It was not until later in the 20th century that interest in pandemics resurfaced.

How has the understanding of the Spanish flu evolved in recent years?

Recent scientific and epidemiological research, including genetic studies, has led to a better understanding of the Spanish flu virus, which is now known to be an H1N1 virus. This research has helped to bring the Spanish flu out of historical obscurity.