History of Influenza

In 412 BC Hippocrates describes influenza for the first time and Diodorus Siculus records a flu-like epidemic that swept through the Athenian army in Sicily.
In 1357 AD, the word influenza is used in Italy meaning influence. The development of the flu was popularly blamed on the influence of the stars.
In 1485 an illness with flu-like symptoms is described and thousands of people die in Britain, including the mayor. Doctors prescribe tobacco juice, lime juice and bleeding to cure patients.
In 1580 the first flu pandemic is recorded and infects Asia, Africa, Europe and America. Over 90 percent of the world’s population is affected and mortality is extremely high.
During 1918 – 1920 the Spanish flu becomes the worst pandemic in history.
In 1933 the first human influenza virus is isolated in a lab.
During the 1940’s a crude vaccine is introduced.
During 1957 the Asian flu circles the globe.
During 1960s modern vaccines become widely available.
In 1966, the first antiviral flu drug effective against influenza A is introduced.
During 1968 the Hong Kong flu begins.
During the 1990s researchers target and disable the flu at the cellular level.
In 1997 the Avian flu appears in Hong Kong.
In 1999 Tamiflu and Relenza are approved by the FDA for the treatment of influenza strains A and B.

Related links:

Back