Timeline of influenza

Timeline of significant events in the history of influenza

Timeline of Influenza

The timeline of influenza traces the history of the influenza virus, its outbreaks, and the development of vaccines and treatments. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The virus is known for its ability to mutate rapidly, leading to seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics.

Pre-20th Century

• 1580: The first recorded influenza pandemic occurred, spreading from Asia to Europe and Africa.
• 1830-1833: A significant influenza pandemic spread globally, affecting populations in Europe, North America, and Asia.

20th Century

• 1918-1919: The Spanish flu pandemic, caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus, resulted in an estimated 50 million deaths worldwide. It is considered one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
• 1957-1958: The Asian flu pandemic, caused by the H2N2 virus, originated in East Asia and spread globally, resulting in approximately 1-2 million deaths.

Reported cases of influenza in American countries for the period 1949-1958

• 1968-1969: The Hong Kong flu pandemic, caused by the H3N2 virus, led to an estimated 1 million deaths worldwide.
• 1977: The reemergence of the H1N1 virus, known as the Russian flu, primarily affected younger populations who had not been exposed to the virus in previous decades.

21st Century

• 2009: The H1N1 pandemic, also known as the swine flu, emerged in North America and spread globally. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and resulted in an estimated 151,700 to 575,400 deaths worldwide.

Influenza subtypes

• 2013: The H7N9 virus was identified in China, causing severe respiratory illness in humans. It raised concerns about potential pandemic threats due to its high mortality rate.
• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of influenza surveillance and vaccination, as co-infections with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 posed significant health risks.

Related Pages

• Influenza pandemic
• Spanish flu
• Asian flu
• Hong Kong flu
• H1N1 pandemic
• World Health Organization