How Spanish Flu tore through the old Black Country
Bugle reader EDWARD DAVIES takes a look back at the deadly pandemic that swept the world 100 years ago
“I heard a little bird Its name was Enza I opened the window And in-flew-enza”
THE Spanish flu was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, lasting from February 1918 until April 1920. It infected an estimated 500 million people – about one third of the world’s population and killed around 50 million people in four successive waves. Within Britain estimates indicate as many as 250,000 died, although the true figure may not be known.
The virus was thought to have originated in Spain, hence the name, as the first cases were reported there. However it is now thought the origination was North America and carried to Europe by US servicemen. The virus quickly spread amongst the troops on the Western Front then throughout Europe and beyond. By the end of June 1918, the virus had reached Britain.
A report in The Times said that once influenza reached London it quickly spread, in part due to the railways, to other major areas such as Birmingham. By December 1918, it was reported that Birmingham’s death toll was 1,223 deaths and climbing. The proximity of the city to the Black Country made it inevitable infection would become a major problem.
The medical profession had little knowledge of the cause, structure and treatment of what we know today as a viral infection, complicated by secondary lung infection.
Disinfectant
In the days when no flu vaccine was available, the general public were advised of the importance of keeping clean by using disinfectant and soap, eating well, smile or simply ignore the pandemic. It was suggested by a number of health professionals to frequently spray the nose and throat with a disinfectant solution. One enterprising tailor in Birmingham suggested ordering from him an all wool overcoat for £4.10s “to prevent influenza”. Others advised aspirin, Epsom salts and castor oil.
Several causes as to why the flu was so virulent were speculated upon, such as lack of nutrition, shortage of food brought about by the war, poor and overcrowded housing conditions, poverty and a “dirty atmosphere”. In varying degrees these opinions may have some relevance but what could not be ignored was that the virus was indiscriminate. It had no class boundaries. Rich or poor, working class or middle class. Nearly anyone could become infected.
The question also arose as to why someone could succumb to the illness whilst others living under the same roof were spared. This was not answered. Many years expired before the virus was identified and understood. A vaccine was developed in 1933.
At the onset of the epidemic it was obvious there were not enough doctors to treat the civilian population. Many were conscripted overseas to look after wounded soldiers and those with disease. To address shortages, the government advertised for retired medical professionals to come to the aid of domestic influenza victims. This was met with limited success, as people tended not to want to leave their “comfortable” surroundings to work in dirty, smokey industrial regions such as the Black Country.
Hospitals were overwhelmed leading to medical students being drafted to supply support. Overworked nurses laboured under much pressure. Some succumbed to the virus. The Dudley Medical Officer of Health reported, “This was the most serious of which I had seen during a period of 21 years as Medical Officer”.
Indefatigable
Tipton Council were reported as saying, “The District Nurses have been indefatigable in their visiting, helping generally and nursing. The medical men have done and are doing their best but their task at times has seemed almost impossible”. Dudley Council reported that between November 2, 1918, and December 28, the total number of those dying in the borough of influenza and pneumonia was 196. The Birmingham Gazette reported on December 3
that since the onset of the epidemic arriving in Birmingham there had been a total of 1,223 deaths and “last week was the worst”.
Although a nationwide lockdown was requested, it was advisory rather than mandatory but it did lead to the closure of many theatres, dance halls, cinemas and churches, in some cases for months. Public houses, although under wartime restrictions, mostly stayed open. Wearing an “anti-germ” mask was encouraged. It is problematic as to the rate of adherence. Public health messages were confusing. Many people being ignorant of what it meant to live a healthy lifestyle. For those that did, many wouldn’t have been able to afford to take the advice. Conspiracy theories were plenty. For example it was believed smoking offered protection against the virus.
Infections spread rapidly in social arenas, workshops, on buses, trains, and in key Black Country iron and steel industries, the mines and munition factory’s. Few places of work were spared. This had great effect upon the well being of the Black Country economy and social well being.
A gender gap arose. Man’s place was mainly in the workplace, whilst
women were expected to stay at home. As one women writer to the Dudley Chronicle put it: “Moreover the women’s part is often to stay at home till someone brings in the influenza and then nurse it. Evidently the very best medical advice is not for us”. No recognition was made to the fact women were just as liable to catch influenza as any one else.
With time the work load on undertakers and gravediggers increased dramatically. Internment of bodies reported The Herald,“has in some cases been unduly delayed.
Schooling
The epidemic also had a profound effect upon children’s schooling. All schools were closed down in Wednesbury towards the end of November 1918, as advised by the Town Council. The Herald reported that the epidemic had not reached its peak and was particularly virulent in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years of age. Out of a recent number of 20 deaths “many were amongst children between these ages”. Increased concern prompted Dudley Council to close initially, Park Schools, the Higher Elementary, and Kate’s
Hill Council School. With increasing contagion, the council subsequently closed all its schools, including Sunday Schools.
The epidemic thrust some families into poverty, others to the workhouse. These were the days before a welfare state. Black Country families had their fair share of suffering from the pandemic and mourning the loss of husbands and sons not returning from war.
Adapted
Gradually society adapted to a new normal, not least, as some historians maintain from social reforms such as the widows pension and Old Age Contributions Act, implementation as a direct result of the pandemic. Although the Act did not come into force until 1925.
The Spanish flu mostly ended around June 1919 but small clusters lingered until 1920. How it came to an end is uncertain. A number of theories have been put forward but are still subject to debate.
Whilst the First World War has become embedded in the national consciousness, the Spanish flu has largely become a “forgotten” episode in this country’s history. That is until today as we rekindle a fire in history.