Learning Lessons

nine

Flu bug got you down? Not yet, maybe ... I understand there are now 9 reported cases in Washington state today and several possible cases have been reported in Umatilla County just across the border in Oregon. Swine flu is here, the latest progression in Mexico's killer outbreak.

We learn from history, our only roadmap to the future, but one must be careful of the lessons taken from history. A mere 91 years go, Spanish flu crept into our outpost of the realm. The first reported cases appeared in the Spokane Area on September 27, 1918, but ten days earlier, the illness appeared among recruits from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who arrived sick at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Another alarm came September 23, when 10,000 people assembled for a National Guard parade. The Guard's medical officer noted a few cases of flu, but said there was little to worry over. In two days, the malady was of epidemic proportion in Seattle. Soon it reached Spokane and across the state. Public assemblies were cancelled throughout the state and schools closed. By late October, masks were mandatory for anyone who went outdoors.

The flu remained in the state until spring, 1919, when it vanished as fast as it came. In the process, nearly 3/4 of a million people died in the United States alone. Thousands died in Washington, an immense total considering Washington's population at the time was only one million.

Can it happen again? Probably ... flu pandemics are with us. Will they be so devestating? Not as likely. Advances in hygiene, healthcare, medicine, and detection may prevent the high death rates. Preparedness comes into play, too. 90 years ago, no one took care until the disease was already rampant; witness how much has already been done since news broke in Mexico just a few weeks ago and well before the flu reached the Inland Northwest.

Wash your hands, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth, and do your best to keep others from catching what you may have. We learn from history and this is a great application of that lesson.

Today's pics are scenes from 'the day,' one of St. Mary's Hospital at night, another with the Sisters of Providence at work in St. Mary's, one of Walla Walla (General) Hospital, and one of St. Mary's fire in 1915.