Watch The Flu That Killed 50 Million

The Flu That Killed 50 Million is a documentary series from BBC Select that takes a deep dive into the catastrophic healthcare crisis that swept the world in 1918 - the influenza pandemic. The series, spanning over three episodes, provides an insight into a disaster that killed more people than any other outbreak of disease in human history. The story is told through interviews with experts in virology, pathology, and epidemiology who bring together scientific knowledge, historical research, and eye witness accounts to shed light on the tragedy.

The first episode starts with an introduction to the pandemic, highlighting its devastating impact and leaving the viewers in no doubt that it was a catastrophe of enormous proportions that killed more people than World War I did.

The documentary series takes us through the historical context of the outbreak and attempts to unravel the mystery of a virus that killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide. The picture painted is one of society at the time, with the war raging, and people's lives permanently in flux. In that sense, it was the perfect setup for the outbreak to occur, as populations were thrown often into close proximity with each other, and the virus could spread easily.

The documentary turns to look at the medical profession of the time, at the sheer lack of understanding of the virus, the poverty of treatment methods, and the harsh reality that very little could be done for the victims. The program also reflects on the role that journalists and the media played, as they tried to cope with the flood of information about a virus they knew very little of.

The second episode of the series looks at the virus itself, attempting to decipher its make-up and the way it attacked the human body. The experts take a forensic look at hair samples and bodies of flu victims from the time while also reviewing scientific studies, including archival material from British soldiers in the trenches, that trace the origin and spread of the virus. The team also researches its genetic make-up and attempts to create a simulation to see how it was spread.

The documentary also touches on key factors such as the general public's reaction to the virus, the extraordinary steps taken by governments, and the economic impact on society.

The final episode of The Flu That Killed 50 Million reviews the aftermath of the pandemic, which has left a lasting impact on medicine and public health systems to this day. The legacy of the virus can still be seen and experienced, and experts discuss how future outbreaks could be anticipated and controlled to prevent a repeat of what happened in 1918.

The Flu That Killed 50 Million on BBC Select is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary series that takes a serious and objective look into one of the worst disasters in medical history. It's an essential watch for anyone interested in history, medicine, and pandemics. Unlike other documentaries, this one doesn't attempt to sensationalize the story, but rather, provides a complete overview of events and the long-lasting impact they had.

The Flu That Killed 50 Million is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between September 24, 2018 and on BBC Select