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Influenza

Influenza

Collection: Pandemics, Society, and Public Health, 1517–1925    Volumes    Influenza

This volume is concerned with influenza, specifically the effects of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1920 in the UK. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses, particularly the H1N1 influenza A virus. Unlike plague, cholera, and smallpox, influenza was not regarded as a “notifiable disease” until the early twentieth century. It was considered to be a seasonal infection due to its common symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Assumptions about influenza were overturned in 1918. This pandemic occurred in three waves, with the second being the deadliest, as it affected young, healthy adults. During this pandemic, an estimated 33% of the world’s population were inflected with influenza and at least 50 million people died. 

The documents within this collection were sourced from four leading UK archives: The National Archives, British Library, University College London, and London Metropolitan Archives. A complete item listing for this collection can be found here.

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E 192/6: Miscellaneous Recipes and Prescriptions for Various Ailments

Date:1775-1775
Contributor:The National Archives
Identifier:73754-B05
Archive Reference(s):E 192/6

T.219: Some Observations On The Present Epidemic Catarrhal Fever or Influenza By Richard Abstracts

Date:1803-1803
Contributor:British Library
Identifier:73754-B55
Archive Reference(s):T.219.

RB.23.a.11457: Advice To Persons Affected With The Influenza

Date:1833-1833
Contributor:British Library
Identifier:73754-B44
Archive Reference(s):RB.23.a.11457

7306.bb.15.(1.): Observations on Influenza - Its Nature and Consequences By George Fife

Date:1833-1833
Contributor:British Library
Identifier:73754-B40
Archive Reference(s):7306.bb.15.(1.)

T.2398.(3.): A Treatise On The Influenza of 1837, Containing An Analysis of One Hundred Cases Observed at Birmingham By Peyton Blakiston

Date:1837-1837
Contributor:British Library
Identifier:73754-B56
Archive Reference(s):T.2398.(3.)

7561.aaa.48.(2.): A Treatise on Influenza By A Medical Practitioner

Date:1837-1837
Contributor:British Library
Identifier:73754-B41
Archive Reference(s):7561.aaa.48.(2.)

BT 45/6/1005: Illustration of an Apparatus Used for Inhaling Ether, Nitrous Oxide, Chlorine, Steam Naphtha, and Iodine

Date:1847-1847
Contributor:The National Archives
Identifier:73754-B03
Archive Reference(s):BT 45/6/1005

BT 45/6/1055: Illustration of an Improved Pneumatic Inhaler

Date:1847-1847
Contributor:The National Archives
Identifier:73754-B01
Archive Reference(s):BT 45/6/1055
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