👉 The British Flu, also known as the 1918-1919 Influenza Pandemic, was a particularly severe global influenza outbreak that affected much of the world during World War I. What distinguishes it from other flu pandemics is its unusually high mortality rate, especially among young adults, which was atypical for influenza. This unusual pattern is thought to be due to a phenomenon known as "cytokine storm," where the immune system's overreaction leads to severe inflammation and tissue damage. The British Flu resulted in an estimated 50 million deaths worldwide, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Its impact was exacerbated by the conditions of the time, including overcrowded military camps and limited medical knowledge, which contributed to its rapid spread and high fatality rate.
