Influenza is a disease of the respiratory system.
The symptoms include cough, nasal problems, sore throat, and burning eyes. There have been many influenza epidemics through out history, the worst of modern times cost 500,000 American lives. The influenza epidemic of the United States occurred around 1918 and lasted well into the 1920 s. The best mortality statistics available were for 45 of the nations largest cities, including Minneapolis and St. The pandemic began in the armed services, the main source from which the civilian population received the disease.