Bacteria played role in 1918 viral flu deaths, scientists say

Research on the 1918 flu pandemic indicates that the virus triggered a massive immune response that injured the lungs, allowing bacterial infection. Findings may influence preparations for pandemics. Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were due not to the virus alone but to common bacterial infections that took advantage of victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the nation's strategy against the next pandemic.

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