The more things change the more they stay the same – influenza and coronavirus pandemics

The “forgotten flu” – the Spanish Flu – swept the globe during 1918-19. It killed up to 15,000 Australians, but before COVID-19, many of us had never spared a thought for it.

Despite being strongly placed in the historical narratives of the US and Europe, Australia’s experience to this early 20th century pandemic was largely overlooked, perhaps due to the national trauma of World War One.

The mask-wearing, the quarantining, the social isolation are striking parallels with the world’s modern pandemic experience.

At this month’s BrisScience, learn how drawing upon the historical experience with the 1918 influenza pandemic can provide a new insight into the current coronavirus pandemic.

Watch the recording

Recording of "The more things change the more they stay the same – influenza and coronavirus pandemics" talk (YouTube, 46min)

Meet the presenter

Dr Kirsty Short is an ARC DECRA research fellow and head of the viral pathogenesis lab at The University of Queensland's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences.

Dr Short and her group focus on the pathogenesis of emerging viral infections and the role of chronic metabolic conditions (namely diabetes and obesity) in severe viral infections. Recently, their group has begun work with SARS-CoV-2 with a particular focus on the development of novel therapies and reducing disease severity in patients living with diabetes.