“Every year, like clockwork, the flu descends upon us, spreading its unwelcome symptoms and disrupting our daily lives. Influenza, a common viral illness, is often underestimated, yet its impact can be far-reaching. From the seasonal flu to pandemics that shape history, this seemingly innocuous virus has a fascinating story to tell. In this enlightening exploration, we unravel 15 surprising facts about the flu, delving into its origins, impact on global health, and the ongoing battle to stay one step ahead of its ever-changing strains. Get ready to have your knowledge flu-rrished as we uncover the secrets and complexities of this perennial viral adversary.”
1-5 Surprising Facts About Flu
1. The term “influenza” originated from the Italian word “influentia,” as people in the past believed that the influence of celestial bodies such as planets, stars, and the moon caused the flu.
2. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between three and five million people worldwide experience severe cases of the regular flu each year, with tens of millions experiencing milder cases. Globally, between 250,000 and 500,000 people die from the flu annually.
3. During World War I in 1918, wartime censors downplayed early reports of the flu epidemic’s death toll to maintain morale. Newspapers in neutral Spain were able to freely report on the epidemic, leading to the false impression that Spain was the hardest-hit and giving rise to the name “Spanish flu.”
4. During the 1918 flu pandemic, 62 prisoners in Boston volunteered to be injected with infected tissue and exposed to infectious aerosols, with the promise of release if they survived. All of the prisoners survived, but the doctor who cared for them died shortly after.
5. The flu claims an average of 26,000 lives in the United States each year.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Flu
6. Surgical masks are designed to capture respiratory secretions, including bacteria and viruses, expelled by the wearer, thereby preventing disease transmission to others. They are not specifically designed to protect the wearer from contracting the flu virus.
7. Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic flu remedy, is diluted to such an extent that there would need to be an astronomical number of universes (10 to the power of 320) to contain even a single molecule of the active substance (duck liver) in the final product.
8. The 1919 Stanley Cup Final ended in a No Decision after 5 games due to a deadly flu outbreak.
9. The winter peak of the flu season is attributed to decreased absolute humidity levels, which creates favorable conditions for the virus to spread.
10. Having had the Swine Flu (H1N1) can provide “extraordinary immunity” to several other types of influenza, including the bird flu and the 1918 Spanish Flu.
11-15 Shocking Facts About Flu
11. Individuals who consistently sleep for 5 hours or less on average are approximately 82% more likely to report having the flu, pneumonia, or an ear infection compared to those who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep on weeknights.
12. The flu virus can only survive on the skin for about five minutes, but it can persist on paper currency for up to 17 days.
13. A mother contracting the flu during pregnancy may increase a child’s risk of developing bipolar disorder by four times.
14. Scientists in the Netherlands have created a modified version of the Bird Flu that is more contagious, lethal, and potentially capable of causing the deaths of approximately 3.5 billion people.
15. The Spanish flu caused more deaths among Americans in a single year than the combined fatalities from battles during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 15 Shocking flu facts
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