HISTORY OF THE FLU

History of the flu

The flu-like, highly contagious respiratory diseases were already mentioned by Hippocrates (approx. 460 - 370 BC) described.

The name influenza has been used for flu since the 15th century. In the Middle Ages the origin of diseases was justified astrologically, the position of the stars led to certain diseases and epidemics, hence the name influenza (Latin: influence).
In the 18th century, influenza epidemics were noted to be more frequent during the winter months, and the flu was therefore associated with the cold.
The years 1918 and 1919 saw the largest pandemic in history, the Spanish flu, killing between 20 and 50 million people worldwide.
This led to great scientific efforts to identify the influenza pathogen, but this was not done until 1933 National Institute for Medical Research succeeded in London by the researchers Andrews, Smith and Laidlaw.

Vaccines (see also: Vaccination) against the flu have existed since 1952, but until today it has not been possible to control or even eradicate the disease. B. succeeded in smallpox.

At the beginning of the 21st century, over-the-counter rapid flu tests that can detect the flu virus within a few minutes were brought onto the market. They are useful for differentiating between flu-like infections and "real" influenza. Especially when treatment with flu medication is planned and the patient falls ill outside of the typical flu season.

Read also: Rapid flu test