The Georgia Flu, as depicted in "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, was a catastrophic event that spread rapidly and lethally, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the world’s population. This highly contagious virus swept through cities and towns, leaving devastation in its wake and rendering the majority of humanity extinct. The efficiency of the flu made it difficult for society to respond or contain the outbreak effectively.
The aftermath of the Georgia Flu serves as a backdrop for the novel, exploring themes of survival, art, and the interconnectedness of human lives. With nearly no one left to populate the Earth, the narrative delves into the lives of the few survivors, highlighting their struggles to maintain a sense of culture and continuity amidst the chaos. This profound loss forces them to rethink their relationships and the value of existence in a changed world.