The 1918 influenza epidemic killed between 50 million and 100 million people worldwide. This epidemic happened near the end of World War I. More people died from the influenza epidemic than were killed in the war. Which of the following explains why this virus was so deadly worldwide?

Question

Food was scarce because of the war, so people were undernourished, and their immune systems were weakened.

All of the above

Infected soldiers returning from the war spread the virus when they coughed.

Medical personnel often became ill as a result of exposure to airborne virus particles.

Answer 1

The correct answer is "All of the above." Each of the options contributes to understanding why the 1918 influenza epidemic was so deadly worldwide:

1. Food scarcity and undernourishment: The war led to food shortages, which weakened people's immune systems and made them more susceptible to infections, including influenza.

2. Infected soldiers spreading the virus: Soldiers returning from the war helped spread the virus when they came home, creating a wider distribution of the disease.

3. Medical personnel becoming ill: Healthcare workers were often exposed to the virus while treating patients, leading to a decrease in available medical personnel and further spreading the illness.

Together, these factors contributed to the severity and widespread impact of the epidemic.