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One hundred years ago the 1918 influenza pandemic devastated entire communities and took an estimated 675,000 American lives. It was the most severe pandemic in recent history, sweeping the globe quickly and killing more than 50 million people. For more than 70 years, CDC has used its science, surveillance, and service to address the continuing threat and burden of influenza. These efforts have dramatically improved influenza preparedness, yet seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses continue to pose a unique public health challenge as influenza viruses are constantly changing. As America’s premier public health agency, CDC and its public health partners work together to address remaining gaps, increase our pandemic preparedness, and to minimize the effects of future influenza pandemics.

Read about the 1918 influenza pandemic and progress made in preparedness and response.

History of 1918 Flu Pandemic

Read about the 1918 influenza pandemic and progress made in preparedness and response.

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CDC works year round on global control and prevention of seasonal and novel influenza, and influenza pandemic preparedness and response.

What CDC Does

CDC works year-round on global control and prevention of flu, and pandemic preparedness and response.

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Learn about advancements in CDC research and pandemic response over the past 100 years.

Are we prepared?

Learn about advancements in CDC research and pandemic response over the past 100 years.

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One hundred years ago the 1918 influenza pandemic devastated entire communities and took an estimated 675,000 American lives. It was the most severe pandemic in recent history, sweeping the globe quickly and killing more than 50 million people. For more than 60 years, CDC has used its science, surveillance, and service to address the continuing threat and burden of influenza. These efforts have dramatically improved influenza preparedness, yet seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses continue to pose a unique public health challenge as influenza viruses are constantly changing. As America’s premier public health agency, CDC and its public health partners work together to address remaining gaps, increase our pandemic preparedness, and to minimize the effects of future influenza pandemics.

Message from Principal Deputy Director

Anne Schuchat

Anne Schuchat, MD (RADM, USPHS)

For more than 70 years, CDC has used its scientific expertise and resources to address the continuing threat and burden of influenza. The 1918 pandemic, and other recent flu pandemics, not only illustrate the threat of disease but the incredible strides made in our medical and scientific infrastructure. Today we have tools to detect, prevent, diagnose, and treat disease; clarify dynamic circumstances of pandemics; and save lives. CDC marks the 100-year commemoration in memory of the lives lost, with gratitude for the progress made, and in recognition of the additional preparation needed for future emerging threats.

1918 Pandemic Video

Special Features

Ask a CDC Scientist: Dr. Terrence Tumpey and the Reconstruction of the 1918 Pandemic Virus

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Featured Pandemic Flu Fighter

Terrence Tumpey, Ph.D

Dr. Terrence Tumpey is a microbiologist and chief of the Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch (IPB) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Influenza Division. He’s perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work reconstructing the 1918 pandemic influenza virus.

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Additional Resources

CDC’s 1918 commemoration campaign materials are available to assist partners in communicating about the impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic.

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1918 CDC Video

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