The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult, but it’s hardly unprecedented. In 1918, the Spanish flu pandemic sickened or killed millions around the globe. In this episode, we look at the lessons of 1918: How did society change when it was all over? What hints might it offer to us as we think about what our world will look like in a few months or years? Monica Schoch-Spana, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, offers May and Sam a look back as well as some predictions.

By the way: The team that makes At A Distance is thinking about what the future of this podcast should look like. So we’re asking listeners: What do you want to hear more of from At A Distance? What should we do less? What other changes to the show should we consider? Email us: [email protected].


On Twitter: @mayvortega and @samuelbrasch