Comparison between influenza pandemics of 1918 and 2009 from the perspective of Hospital São Vicente de Paulo in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil <br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To compare the Spanish flu pandemic, which coincided with the year of founding of São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, located in the city of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, with the influenza pandemic in 2009, both caused by the Influenza A H1N1 virus. SOURCE OF DATA: Hospital São Vicente de Paulo databases (1918 and 2009) and internet site, Regional Historical Archives of the University of Passo Fundo, newspapers, magazines and reports of 1918-1919 and 2009-2010, data of literature (mainly from the book of Janete Silveira Abrão "Banalização da Morte na Cidade Calada"), scientific journals and official internet sites (Ministry of Health, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, World Health Organization). SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Spanish flu pandemic occurred in 1918 and killed more than 20 million people in just one year. Almost a century later, the Influenza A H1N1 pandemic emerges, causing about 18,000 deaths between April 2009 and May 2010. This work shows consequences of both pandemics in the city of Passo Fundo, especially in the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital. CONCLUSIONS: There are considerable similarities between the pandemics of 1918 and 2009, and both of them left strong marks on the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital and in the city of Passo Fundo.