People are being strongly encouraged to get flu shots.  Flu vaccines (however administered) are much more widely available than they used to. Most drug stores have them and the cost may be fully covered by one’s insurance. In former times, of course, there was not much people could do to avoid the flu except to keep away from those who already had it.  In the second decade of the twentieth century the flu resulted in the deaths of many thousands of people in America.

Sept. 15, 1918 – According to newspaper reports, physicians in large cities such as New York and Boston are emphasizing that diseases such as Spanish influenza are spread by germs – very small pathogenic organisms that are impossible to see with the naked eye.  They are spread through contact with droplets from noses as well as germs projected when people cough and sneeze.

Oct. 1, 1918 – Most Morgan County residents, living as they do in rural areas, are hearing about the deadly outbreak of influenza and many are already afflicted with it. They report high temperatures, sore throats, exhaustion (even if they have done no farm work during the day), headache, sore arms and legs, bloodshot eyes.  Also some have had nosebleeds which have proved to be extremely difficult to stop.  These people have no access to a doctor and seeking advice from neighbors, some of whom are folk healers who use natural remedies, usually herbal in nature, to cure various diseases.  (So far these have been ineffective against Spanish influenza.)

 Oct. 7, 1918 – Precautionary measures, such as closing schools, churches, theaters, picture shows, and prohibiting all public gatherings are being taken because of the alarming Spread of Spanish influenza. Half of the counties of the state, including Morgan County, are recommended to enforce such measures by Governor Henderson in a proclamation issued late today.  Spanish influenza has resulted in the deaths of many thousands of people around the country.

Oct. 12, 1918 – Representative Almon of the 8th Alabama district left tonight for Tuscumbia to attend the bedside of Walter H. Williams, his son-in-law, who is reportedly fatally stricken with Spanish influenza. Representative Almon’s daughter, Mrs. Williams, is desperately ill with the same malady, which is now a worldwide pandemic, in Washington.

Oct. 17, 1918 – Because of the rapid spread of Spanish influenza it is entirely possible that the North Alabama conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, will not be held in Decatur on October 30, the date fixed nearly one year ago.  Under present conditions it will be impossible for area Methodists to entertain the anticipated 500 delegates and visitors.

Oct. 20, 1918 – Morgan County residents who live in towns such as Hartselle, Decatur, and Albany are frequently turning to druggists to help them survive the flu epidemic.  Some prescribe opiates for these patients.  (They gave temporarily relief from suffering but were totally ineffective as a cure for the flu.)

 Jan. 3, 1923 – Several prisoners at the Morgan County jail have the flu.

April 8, 1937 – Franklin Stewart III is sick with flu.

March 23, 1939 – Buford Kracke is able to out and about after being sick with flu.

Jan. 11, 1940 – Mrs. Charlie Stewart and little daughter, Betty Jane, are home bound with flu.

March 25, 1943 – Dennis Griffith is ill with influenza at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Griffith.

Nov. 8, 1945 – Mrs. D. G. Channell and daughter, Martha Jean, are confined to their home this week with flu.

April 21, 1949 – Helen Howell, daughter or Mr. and Mrs. Elliotte Howell, is confined to her home with a severe case of flu.

Jan. 15, 1953 – Hartselle schools have been forced to shut down due to the rampant incidence of flu.