Question

Why was the 2nd wave of the influenza so severe?

Answer 1

The second wave of the influenza pandemic in 1918, known as the Spanish Flu, was severe due to the virulent H1N1 strain, high mortality among healthy adults, and the spread facilitated by World War I.

Step-by-step explanation:

The second wave of the influenza pandemic in 1918, also known as the Spanish Flu, was so severe for several reasons:

1. The H1N1 strain of the influenza virus was particularly virulent and easily transmissible.
2. Unlike most flu viruses that primarily affect the elderly and young children, the second wave targeted healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 35, causing a higher death rate.
3. The rapid movement of troops and the crowded conditions during World War I facilitated the spread of the virus among soldiers and civilian populations.

These factors contributed to the severity of the second wave, resulting in a high number of infections and fatalities.