1918 Flu Pandemic Commemoration

This year marks 100 years since the 1918 influenza pandemic, the most severe pandemic in recent history. CDC will commemorate the 1918 pandemic with a series of events, exhibits, and communication activities in remembrance of the pandemic and to mark the progress made in pandemic flu preparedness and response.

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One hundred years ago the 1918 influenza pandemic devastated entire communities and took an estimated 675,000 American lives. It was the most severe pandemic in recent history, sweeping the globe quickly and killing more than 50 million people. For more than 60 years, CDC has used its science, surveillance, and service to address the continuing threat and burden of influenza. These efforts have dramatically improved influenza preparedness, yet seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses continue to pose a unique public health challenge as influenza viruses are constantly changing. As America’s premier public health agency, CDC and its public health partners work together to address remaining gaps, increase our pandemic preparedness, and to minimize the effects of future influenza pandemics.