In September 1918, the second wave of the global influenza pandemic reached the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador. The pandemic, colloquially known as the Spanish Flu, became one of the deadliest outbreaks of infectious disease in world history.
Join us as Dr. Ean Parsons, Professor Terry Bishop Stirling and Dr. Heidi Coombs present the history of the Spanish Flu in Newfoundland, including its origins and impact on military personnel, its impact on the Island portion of Newfoundland and the response of the medical community and government, and its impact on the city of St. John’s, including the role of the King George V Seamen’s Institute as an emergency hospital. Our speakers will also reflect on similarities and differences between the 1918 Flu and our experiences today with COVID-19.
Please note that the history of the Spanish Flu in Labrador will be the focus of a Winter 2021 lecture featuring Anne Budgell.
Watch the lecture at: The Spanish Flu in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1918 19 – YouTube