Influenza

Sometimes referred to as the Red Influenza, the Russian flu of 1977-78 was often called a 'benign pandemic' meaning it was gentle and kind. The virus responsible was Influenza Type A subtype H1N1, the same virus that caused the Spanish Flu of 1918. A similar strain was prevalent between 1947-57 and as a result most of the population had built up a substantial immunity to it. There had been no outbreaks after 1957, due to the appearance of H2N2 and H3N2. Consequently only those under the age of about 23 were at risk, hence the term benign. The virus had been isolated in Northern China but in May 1977 it began to spread rapidly and came to attention in the Soviet Union during November that year. 2 months later it had spread around the world and under 25s, especially the school population and military recruits (US) were at risk. No vaccine was produced to tackle the disease until 1978-79, a year to late and the total fatalities is unknown.  Because it was primarily children who were effected it is debatable as to whether the Russian flu was a pandemic or not.