Abstract
The Spanish flu spread from September 23, 1918 to 1920. This disease was one of the historical catastrophes in Iran, and a large number of people in Tehran were infected. Evidence also shows that 5000-10000 out of the 250000 infected people died in Tehran over three years. Besides, an increase was detected in the prevalence of other diseases such as pericarditis, orchitis, mastoiditis, meningitis, optic neuritis, paralysis of the palate, mania, cholera, and dysentery. Overall, five percent of the city were destroyed, and the population and economic development were severely damaged. This study aims to evaluate the importance of the history of local medicine in Tehran, the spread of Spanish flu, World War I, and presence of Russian, Ottoman, and British troops in Iran during the flu outbreak. The critical role of Britain in artificial famine, malnutrition, and drug embargo was assessed, as well.
Highlights
The Spanish flu in 1918 was the deadliest epidemic
The British troops were infected with the virus, they depredated food, grains, and other necessities and had medical supplies
The Spanish flu appeared in Tehran in 1918
Summary
The Spanish flu in 1918 was the deadliest epidemic. About 500 million people worldwide, i.e., almost one-third of the world’s population, were infected and nearly 20-50 million people including around 675 000 Americans died. The disease spread to Europe, the United States, and some parts of Asia. There was no effective drug or vaccine to treat this type of severe flu. Citizens were advised to wear masks, and schools, theaters, and businesses were closed, and corpses were collected.[1,2]
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