Covid 19 and Spanish Flu
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COVID 19 and the 1918 Pandemic
By Liane Hicks
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected our lives. The activities in this lesson plan gives teachers a starting point for discussing and learning more about the Covid 19 pandemic, the public and government response, what we can learn from the past, and the safety measures we should all employ.
Storyboard Description
After learning about the differences and similarities between the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and the Covid 19 pandemic of today, students compare and contrast the diseases and public experiences. Students can specifically note the public health impact of the diseases, the public's response and the government's response.
Storyboard Text
- SYMPTOMS
- ANTI-FLU MASK REQUIRED MASKS REQUIRED
- 1918 SPANISH FLU
- COVID - 19
- Symptoms of the Spanish Flu were fever, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. Most flu outbreaks are dangerous for the very young or the very old, but the Spanish Flu had a higher than expected mortality rate for young adults. The pandemic lasted for about 2 years.
- Symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, and nausea.While issues and deaths have hit all age groups, Covid-19 has been more serious in older patients or those with underlying health conditions.
- FACTORS
- A big factor in the worldwide spread of the flu of 1918 was increased travel and WWI where soldiers, sailors, and civilians alike spread the disease.
- In modern times, people are used to traveling great distances with ease for work, to see family, etc. Increased travel nationally and internationally contributed to the rapid spread of Covid-19 throughout the world.
- ACTIONS TAKEN
- MOVIE THEATERS CLOSED!
- Salt-Water will keep the Flu away!
- Back to Work!
- WELCOME TOREMOTELEARNING!
- Back to Work!
- Government response varied. Some lied and denied the severity, leaving people ill-prepared. Others instituted mask mandates, imposing fines or jail time for not complying. Some closed schools, theaters, and churches. Some schools had students gargle with warm saltwater.
- ANTI-MASK LEAGUE!
- Research to develop a vaccine began almost immediately. Some cities instituted travel restrictions and mask mandates while others did not. Some schools closed and switched to remote learning while others remained open. Conflicting messages regarding precautions added to confusion.
- THANK YOUHEALTHCARE WORKERS!
- Masks violate my rights!
- PUBLIC REACTION
- Due to conflicting and misinformation, some refused to wear masks and formed Anti-Mask Leagues to protest ordinances. Others volunteered to help, turning homes, schools, and other buildings into makeshift hospitals as real hospitals were overwhelmed.
- Turned into a makeshift hospital! Volunteers welcome!
- Due to conflicting and misinformation some people refused to wear masks or socially distance and even protested against it. Others encouraged staying home and showed their support for healthcare and essential workers.
- AFTERMATH
- From February 1918 to April 1920, about 500 million people (1/3 of the world's population!) became infected with the Spanish Flu. At least 50 million people died worldwide. About 675,000 people died in the United States.
- The Covid 19 pandemic began in December 2019 and is still ongoing as of July 2022, with over 89 million confirmed cases and over 1,000,000 deaths in U.S. as of July 2022.
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