Broadcast date: 1/24/2019
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the deadly 1918 influenza pandemic. Also known as the Spanish flu, the deadly virus infected more than 500 million people, or one-third of the world’s population. It is estimated that at least 50 million worldwide died from the virus, and it took an estimated 675,000 American lives. The CDC reports that the pandemic was so severe that from 1917 to 1918, life expectancy in the United States fell by about 12 years, to 36.6 years for men and 42.2 years for women.
Since the 1918 pandemic, tremendous advancements have been made in the world’s understanding and treatment of flu, yet could a deadly influenza pandemic happen again? How are we better equipped today to face a deadly virus than we were 100 years ago?
Join host Fred Munroe as he speaks with experts from the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health department, Liz Merson the Manager of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Ann McDowell, MPH, Public Health Epidemiologist and Dr. Jim Beebe the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Laboratory Director as they talk about the consequences and impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, how advancements in medicine and disease prevention can help us prevent and prepare for future pandemic threats, as well as how individuals can protect themselves from the flu.
Central Coast Voices is sponsored by ACTION for Healthy Communities in collaboration with KCBX.
