Spanish Flu

Fact- The influenza pandemic of 1918 was not called the Spanish Flu because it originated in Spain. It was only called that because the Spanish newspapers were the first to report it.

Further Info- the pandemic most likely originated at a US Army base or small mid-western town and traveled overseas with troops arriving in France for WWI. All Allied newspapers were being censored for the moral of both civilians and troops. Spain was neutral and therefore, newspapers could print the story.

Behind the Scenes- Ive been reading the book "The Great Influenza" by John M. Barry the last couple of days, thus the random fact about the flu.