Discussion:

Epidemics have played an important role in shaping world history. This week, please watch the following video on the Influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 and respond to the specific prompt.

Here are the specific directions for the Module this week:

1). Access the web site for the video.

Science Matters | Episode 102 | 1918 Spanish Flu PandemicLinks to an external site.

2). Please post your response to following prompt on the Discussion Board for this week.

– The Influenza virus results in a common viral disease known as ‘the flu’. Although this disease is typically present in the fall-winter months, it usually does not result in an infectious disease with the magnitude it had during the fall-winter of 1918-1919. Discuss at least 3 specific factors that you feel contributed to the severity of the epidemic suffered in 1918-1919. Why was the flu pandemic so much worse in 1918-1919? Please support your facts with at least 2 scientific references.

3). Respond to at least 2 of your peers’ posts by Sunday night at midnight.