The 1918 influenza epidemic, which occurred during World War I, was one of the most devastating health crises of the 20th century. Between September 1918 and June 1919, more than 600,000 Americans died of influenza and pneumonia, making the epidemic far more 21 than the war itself. The influenza hit Americans in two waves. The first wave attacked the army camps and was less fatal than the second. The second wave arrived in the port city of Boston in September 1918 with war 22 of machinery and supplies. Other wartime events enabled the disease to 23 the country quickly. As men across the nation were joining the 24 to serve the country, they brought the virus with them everywhere they went. In October 1918 alone, the virus killed almost 200,000. In the following month, the end of World War I resulted in an even 25 spread of the disease. The celebration of the end of the war with parades and parties was a complete disaster from the standpoint of public health. This 26 the spread of the disease in some cities. The flu that winter was destructive beyond imagination as millions were 27 and thousands died. In fact, it caused many more deaths than any of the other epidemics which had 28 it.
Medical scientists 29 that another epidemic will attack people at some point in the future. Today’s worldwide transportation makes it even 30 to control an epidemic. Therefore, doctors advise that we continue to get our annual flu shots in order to stay healthy.
30