COVID-19 Analysis

The 1918 Spanish Flu killed an estimated 1.0-5.4% of the world's population ("Medical Innovations..."). The COVID-19 pandemic killed 0.08% of the world's population ("Coronavirus disease..."). The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, while different and statistically worse, significantly affected the way that COVID-19 was fought 100 years later. In 1918, thick gauze masks were worn as a precaution ("Influenza - Destroyer..." 368). Similarly, during COVID-19, masks were required by many public buildings and social areas. In response to the 1918 Flu pandemic, many schools, churches, and other publicly shared spaces were closed ("Influenza - Destroyer..." 367-369). In the midst of COVID-19, public spaces were also closed. As a result, schools went into a state of electronic learning, church services were aired on television, and store items were bought online. Overcrowding was highly unadvised during the Spanish Flu. Yet, closing the public spaces caused overcrowding in other areas ("Influenza - Destroyer..." 367-369). In 2020, social distancing was put into effect to prevent overcrowding. Of the many actions taken to fight the 1918 Flu pandemic, many of the same were used in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic ("Influenza - Destroyer..." 367-369).