The 1918 influenza epidemic resulted in the deaths of at least 40 million people worldwide, with many succumbing to suffocation caused by severe fluid accumulation in the lungs. This epidemic stands out from typical flu outbreaks due to its high mortality rate among young adults, particularly those aged 25 to 34. Thus, it mirrored the devastation of the preceding war, which facilitated the spread of the virus.

Remarkably, the 'Spanish Lady' did not primarily affect the elderly or the very young, a common pattern in most influenza outbreaks, but instead claimed the lives of healthy young individuals. This tragic circumstance created a significant impact on demographics, contributing to the social and economic upheaval of the post-war period.