The Influenza Pandemic of 1918

Austin Jelinski Jessica Jelinski Division 3 Group Website

Process Paper

How we chose our topic We chose to do history day on the 1918 Influenza Pandemic because interestingly, one of us became sick with Influenza this year. This triggered an interest in the topic, especially when we found an article online about the association with the 1918 Influenza and flawed vaccinations. The sensation about this years flu - Influenza A and B - and its particularly destructive nature caused us to wonder just how bad Influenza was in 1918 and if governments/health organizations are incorporating any major preventative measures now. If so, what are these preventative measures because obviously this year (2013) they failed to work as effectively. Furthermore, last year we watched a film about the 1918 pandemic in Biology which further provoked our interest.

How we conducted our research We began our research by scanning the internet, especially by looking over educational sites and articles. Upon doing this, we found a number of case studies and valuable articles on preventative measures based off of study of the 1918 pandemic. Through this, many articles directed us to the CDC, a very valuable source. Governmental health websites and online Influenza Encyclopedias tended to be most valuable because they directed us to studies and interviews (primary sources). These sources familiarized us with our subject on a deeper level due to their its multitude of primary documents, articles, and photographs.

How you selected your presentation category and created your project

In eight grade, we also presented our history day project through a website; this media was not only effective but also easy to set up since one can easily edit it. Thus, this year we decided to select website as our presentation category as well. In creating our project, we both conducted research and discussed how we wanted to organize it. Then, while one of us focussed more on the writing aspect, the other specialized in web design and media (pictures and videos). At the end, we looked over each others work and made changes accordingly.

How your project relates to the NHD theme In the long run, the 1918 Influenza Pandemic was a major historical turning point. The level of unpreparedness for such a shock and suffering haunted the world. Humans began to realize the high possibility of pandemic and thus preventative measures began to be set. Soon afterwards, we see a gradual process of preparing as evident with newfound study in virology; non pharmaceutical health measures; establishment of preventative organizations and plans of action; and of course vaccination. All of these measures and studies tend to be taken for granted though; few realize that they are our only protection for a danger that could potentially wipe out the entire human species. The question is: is humanity prepared for a pandemic like that of 1918 yet? The question is debatable and scary. Yet, the Influenza Epidemic of 1918 ultimately relates to the NHD theme because it triggered a movement towards pandemic prevention. (492)