The Great Philly Sniffles of 1918: A Not-So-Fun Look at the Spanish Flu's Visit
Ah, 1918. A time of flappers, silent films, and... a global pandemic that made everyone feel like they'd swallowed a cloud of angry bees? Yes, friends, that'd be the Spanish Flu. And let me tell you, Philadelphia wasn't exactly spared the sniffles.
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| How Many People Died In Philadelphia From The Spanish Flu |
A Case of the Mondays...That Lasted Six Months
It all started innocently enough. A few folks here and there felt a bit under the weather. Maybe a cough, a fever, a general feeling of "welp, this Monday is a total drag." But then, things went south faster than a rogue bowling ball. Hospitals overflowed, folks dropped like flies (well, maybe not flies, but definitely a concerning number of folks), and handkerchiefs were the new hot fashion accessory.
By the Numbers: How Many Tissues Did Philly Need?
Now, you history buffs might be wondering, exactly how bad did it get? Buckle up, buttercups, because here comes the not-so-fun part. Estimates say that in just four short weeks, Philadelphia lost around 12,000 residents to the Spanish Flu. That's a lot of people missing out on cheesesteaks! Over six months, the total number of deaths climbed to a staggering 16,000. Basically, 1918 in Philly wasn't the year for a high five. More like a cautious elbow bump from a very safe distance.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
So, why did Philly get hit so hard? Well, a perfect storm of factors were at play. The city was densely populated, with lots of folks living in close quarters. Public health knowledge back then wasn't exactly top-notch, and the whole "World War I" thing didn't exactly help matters.
The Takeaway: Don't Mess With Microbes
The Spanish Flu may have been a party pooper of epic proportions, but there's a lesson to be learned here. Keep those little germ gremlins at bay by washing your hands regularly, and maybe avoid giant parades during a pandemic. Just a thought.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
FAQ: How to Avoid Another Great Philly Sniffles
How to Wash Your Hands Like a Pro: Think "Happy Birthday" sung twice, or scrub for about 20 seconds. Lather up with soap, don't forget those thumbs and under your nails!
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How to Avoid Crowds When You're Feeling Sick: Netflix and chill becomes your new best friend. Isolate yourself to avoid spreading the love (of germs, that is).
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer (in a pinch): Mix 2/3 parts rubbing alcohol (at least 60% alcohol) with 1/3 part aloe vera gel. But remember, handwashing is still the gold standard!
How to Spot the Spanish Flu (since it's not exactly coming back): Good news! The Spanish Flu is a thing of the past. But if you ever experience flu-like symptoms, consult a doctor.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
How to Deal with a Pandemic: Stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and maybe stock up on puzzles (because apparently, pandemics can be boring too).
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