Re: (erielack) Spanish Influenza and the DL&W

[Charles_Walsh_@_Berlex.com]

Paul

An "earlier" strain of the flu appeared the year before the actual pandemic
occurred (the winter of 1916-17).  The not-yet-mutated strain afforded
those who got it protection from the deadly strain that appeared the next
winter (1917-18).  It appears that those who "missed" the exposure to the
earlier strain, and who were exposed to the later strain, usually died.  In
other words, if the flu virus hadn't gone through the two-stage process, it
would have killed probably killed millions more worldwide.  The fear is the
same with the avian flu, although the likelihood of the same scenario is
fortunately quite slim.  It's difficult to imagine the paranoia that
existed during that time, where virtually everyone wore cloth masks in
public, similar to what an engineer might wear while on duty in the cab of
a steam locomotive.  I wonder to what degree rail personnel (e.g.
conductors) protected themselves--or were allowed to protect
themselves--while on duty?

Chuck



                                                                                                                                 
                      "Paul Brezicki"                                                                                            
                      <doctorpb_@_bellsouth                                                                                        
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                      s.elhts.org                 (erielack) Spanish Influenza and the DL&W                                      
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                 
                      02/23/2006 06:48 AM                                                                                        
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                      "Paul Brezicki"                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                 



Very interesting post. Imagine such a scenario today, the disruption and
panic it would cause. This was also an Avian strain which had newly jumped
the "species barrier". It was deadly because being so different from
previous human strains, people had little natural immunity. It was not
uncommon for a young person to be well in the morning, and be dead by
suppertime. That's why the current avian flu situation is being watched so
closely.

Paul B


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