The deadly strain of influenza – which did not originate in Spain, but got its name as newspapers there reported its existence first – emerged towards the end of World War One, killing at least 50 million people around the world.
It reached Sheffield in the summer of 1918, with further waves in November that year and in early 1919.
Nationally, crowds celebrating the Armistice worsened the disease’s spread and - in an era before the NHS with a less sophisticated understanding of viruses - the public was given conflicting advice, from the sensible, such as isolating victims, to the pointless, like eating lots of porridge or keeping up regular tooth-brushing.
Here are nine facts that illustrate the impact Spanish flu had on Sheffield.
1. Schools were badly hit
Beighton Council School's logbook records that on July 10 and 11 1918, 'a serious epidemic of influenza has developed rapidly this week - 49 children being absent the whole week. The attendance gradually dwindling until there were 142 children absent Friday afternoon'. The place was later closed. Photo: Picture Sheffield
2. Transport was in short supply
Passengers were urged to ‘make the best of things’ during a shortage of trams - on November 5, 1918, it was reported that Sheffield's tram service was 'crippled'. Photo: Picture Sheffield
3. Hospitals struggled
Hospitals in Sheffield were overwhelmed with cases. It was reported that the work was too heavy for horse-drawn ambulances in the city. On October 31, 1918, an appeal for more medical staff was published in local newspapers. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
4. A severe death toll
From October to November 1918 alone there were 1,332 deaths from influenza in Sheffield. Burials took place late at night to cope with the numbers. Photo: Picture Sheffield