Hometown doctors kept busy during 1918 flu epidemic

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Two Zionsville doctors who likely worked overtime to handle the 1918 flu outbreak were Dr. Onis Brendel, holding the reins, and his father, Dr. John F. Brendel. (Photo courtesy of the Sullivan- Munce Cultural Center)
Two Zionsville doctors who likely worked overtime to handle the 1918 flu outbreak were Dr. Onis Brendel, holding the reins, and his father, Dr. John F. Brendel. (Photo courtesy of the Sullivan- Munce Cultural Center)

By Terri Horvath

Medical professionals still have a healthy fear of the flu, partially because of the devastating epidemic of 1918. At the time, Zionsville and the rest of the country were nearly helpless in coping with its effects.

No effective drugs or vaccines had been developed to treat this killer flu strain or prevent the spread. The only course of action advised by the health care community was for people to wear masks and avoid crowds. As a result, gathering places, such as schools and theaters, were shuttered.

Nationwide about 675,000 died from the disease. Worldwide 20 to 50 million deaths were attributed to this pandemic. Researchers eventually discovered that this flu virus had traveled to the lungs and caused pneumonia for several of its victims.

In a statewide effort to combat the spread, Indiana medical advisor William B. Lincoln issued this statement to the press: “While as yet there are but a few cases of influenza in this section, it was decided to be on the safe side and take all precautions possible to prevent an epidemic of the disease here.”

Like other districts in the state, Zionsville closed its schools from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4. A few cases, including some deaths, still developed and kept the area’s doctors busy. Two who probably were working overtime to deal with their patients’ cases were Dr. Onis Brendel, holding the reins in the photo, and his father Dr. John F. Brendel.

Today, medical professionals offer vastly improved options. A favored choice is vaccination, which are often available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices or even at work.


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