John M. Barry's The Great Influenza

John M. Barry uncovers the epic story of the horrible pandemic of 1918, one that killed as many as 100 million people across the world. Barry utilizes his journalistic skills and considerable medical research to share the story of the influenza and shed light on those who were caught up in the gruesome fight. The result is an in-depth, incredible narrative of the times and events shaped by the plague. Barry stresses that the battle against the epidemic was more than exceptional due to the current lack of education in the medical field. At that time, a student did not need a college degree to be accepted to medical school, and many graduated having “never touched a single patient”(6). The medical world truly had to rally hard in order to
It is the story of those fought the disease every day, weather that meant for survival or a cure. It is the story of researches, nurses, public heath workers and doctors. Brilliant, exceptional individuals that expanded science.Barry points out just how heroic these people are, and the work they did to improve medicine and medical research was revolutionary. In his conclusion, Barry adds another element as well. He brings about a terrifying “what if,” believing that it is possible for another, more vicious influenza outbreak. Though he is sure medicine will ultimately prevail against another outbreak, he still predicts that such a lethal flu could wipe out tens of millions of people across the globe. I am not sure if I am sold on his prediction, more out of fear than anything else. I do not know enough about the subject to make a decision, nor will I accept anything blindly. However, Barry does seem to know what he is talking about. I agree with his eery warning to world leaders when he states that, “Those in authority must retain the public's trust.” It is paramount that the government not hide or sway from the truth so as to effectively solve a recurring