👉 The Irish Flu, also known as the 1918 influenza pandemic, was a particularly severe global outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus that swept through Ireland and much of the world in 1918-1919. This flu was notable for its high mortality rate, especially among young adults, which was unusual for influenza pandemics. The virus spread rapidly due to the close quarters and high mobility of urban populations, exacerbated by World War I, which saw millions of soldiers moving and interacting. The Irish Flu resulted in an estimated 500,000 to 1 million deaths in Ireland alone, and globally, it is believed to have caused between 50 million and 100 million deaths. The term "flu" in this context refers to the influenza virus, which caused widespread illness and death, leading to significant social and economic disruptions.
