Lost in Transition: Influenza in the British Army in the 1830s and 1840s

This paper uses surgeons’ reports from the 1830s and 1840s to investigate routine regimental medical care by focusing on a familiar, non-fatal disease. The regimental reports are used to describe the classification of influenza and the use of antiphlogistic regimen to treat thedisease. Also discussed is how the surgeons reconciled the rapid spread of influenza with the predominant causation beliefs of the time. Furthermore, the patterns of influenza morbidity in the early middle 19th century are discussed, adding to the understanding of the historical epidemiology of this genetically variable virus.