spanyolnátha

The spanyolnátha, or Spanish flu, was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic that ravaged the world between 1918 and 1920. It infected an estimated 500 million people, which was about one-third of the world's population at the time, and killed an estimated 50 million to 100 million people. This was more than the death toll of World War I.

The pandemic is thought to have originated in the United States and spread globally through troop movements during World War I. It was characterized by unusually high mortality rates, particularly among young, healthy adults, a demographic typically less vulnerable to influenza. Symptoms were severe, often including a rapid onset of fever, chills, and respiratory distress, with many patients developing pneumonia.

Despite its devastating impact, the exact origins and precise characteristics of the virus remain subjects of scientific research. The spanyolnátha led to significant public health measures, including quarantine, mask-wearing, and the establishment of public health organizations, shaping future pandemic responses. The name "Spanish flu" is a misnomer, likely arising because Spain, a neutral country during WWI, freely reported on the outbreak, while warring nations suppressed such news to maintain morale.