Closing in on a Killer:
Scientists Unlock Clues to the Spanish Influenza Virus

A NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE ONLINE EXHIBIT

Autopsy instruments, manufactured by Kny-Scheerer and Co., ca. 1906. National Museum of Health and Medicine M-001 00001.

An autopsy was performed on his body that afternoon. Samples of lung tissue were forwarded to the Army Medical Museum (now the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology) for further study and preservation.   

Aspirin, compounded by the Carr Drug Co., ca. 1910. National Museum of Health and Medicine M-660 10368.017

In 1918, there was little doctors could do to treat influenza except monitor body temperature and overall physical condition. Doctors would prescribe bed rest and a light, hot diet. Physicians dispensed aspirin to relieve pain and morphine to promote rest. There was no cure, and too often death followed illness.

Oral Thermometer, manufactured by Taylor Instrument Co., ca. 1918. National Museum of Health and Medicine M-013 10272				Army-Ford Stethoscope, manufactured by Kny-Scheerer and Co., ca. 1915. National Museum of Health and Medicine M-013 00324

Preventive treatment against influenza, spraying throat. A.R.C. (American Red Cross). Love Field, Texas, 11/6/18. Otis Historical Archives, National Museum of Health and Medicine, Reeve 33986

A number of measures were adopted to prevent the spread of the influenza, including the mandatory wearing of cloth face masks. Other measures, such as administering antiseptic throat sprays, proved ineffective.