The first cases of what would become known as Russian flu or Asian flu, are believed to have reached the UK from Europe in 1899. It eventually spread throughout the world, and is believed to be responsible for around 1 million deaths in the early 1890's. Local newspapers here reported a belief that the first British cases had been seen in Devon and Cornwall although modern sources believe London is a more likely place.
Initially, the doctors reporting here to local authorities were pleased to say that despite the flu, the death rate had not risen. The reason that the flu was causing such alarm, was the severity of the symptoms, which were clearly different from the ordinary strain. Doctors had quickly identified that the illness appeared to attack the central nervous system and could initiate extreme depression, lethargy, and an inability to sleep. It was also characterised by severe muscle pain, and sharp pains in the eyes.
Contemporary reports said two common early symptoms were a sudden sharp frontal headache, the pain in the eyes, and a "nervous depression". Others reported vertigo and nausea coming on suddenly. A high fever followed, lasting 2-4 days, with aching limbs, and often insomnia. A gastric variation, causing frequent vomiting was also reported, mainly affecting children.
Doctors at St Thomas hospital, London quoted in our local newspapers, felt the eye pain was especially characteristic, with even the slightest movement causing discomfort. They noticed that a reddening of the conjunctiva seemed to prelude the otherwise sudden onset of symptoms and so suspected the disease would enter the body through the eyes.
These unpleasant symptoms caused the disease to be "much dreaded" by those who had not yet experienced it first hand. As a result local authorities elsewhere in the country were reportedly threatening to impose hefty £5 fines on those with influenza who "exposed" themselves outside. (E.G in Walmer and Ashford in Kent) No quarantine requirements were however made of others who had come in close contact with the infected person.
Among the first prominent Marlow fatalities, in April 1891, was the "genial and kindly" John Hoddinott of The Fishermens Retreat hotel in St. Peters Street. After a "sharp attack" he succumbed to congestion of the lungs. The Maidenhead Advertiser, in noting his death, remarked that John had been held in "great regard and esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance".
The press contained many reports of how quickly the illness could develop. In Marlow, 2 year old Horace William Campbell, was described as being as "lively as a cricket" on a Tuesday before falling ill the following afternoon, and dying on the Friday. He was the only child of Richard and Annie Lucy of Avonmore.
It also factored in the death of those already suffering poor health, such as High street chemist Rosa Calcutt of Little Marlow (nee Cannon). A late attack of influenza was thought to bring Rosa to such a state of exhaustion that she could not survive an operation. The latter was performed as a desperate attempt to help with a long term and medically puzzling internal complaint.
Dr Telvey, quoted by the Reading Mercury, reminded readers that for most people the disease was mild in it's long term affects and recovery quick. He expected those who retired for immediate bed rest to be able to carry on their usual business in 10-14 days after the symptoms first appeared. It was not something in his opinion that deserved the "excessive apprehension upon which in some quarters it is regarded". He did acknowledge that for the infirm and the aged, the Russian flu did constitute a "real danger".
It seemed to affect all classes although the advice to stay in bed was obviously easier to follow for those who could afford to have servants managing their household. At the other end of the social scale, the master of Maidenhead Workhouse in December 1891 reported a "terrible fortnight" after almost all the female residents, as well as the matron, laundress and nurse were stricken down. Two adult residents died as a result of the outbreak.
It showed no sign of abating locally throughout January 1892, despite hopes expressed that the cold would suppress the virus. In fact, the Reading Mercury said it appeared to be spreading at an alarming rate in the Marlow district, and indeed throughout the world, the doctors having "great difficulty" in attending all the patients. An elderly lady in Marlow had died of flu just before the paper was published. However, just a couple of weeks later, the same paper reported the virus appeared to be coming less virulent. Not a moment too soon for local businesses who reported having scarcely enough hands available to do their work. It was this month that the Queen's 28 year old grandson, the Duke of Clarence, died two weeks after falling ill with the virus.
Sadly, the flu was back in Marlow at the end of 1893, with Mrs Somers Cocks of Lymbrook (previously Thames Bank) counting among the fatalities. This outbreak was thankfully more short-lived.
While the doctors could not always agree on the causes of the flu, the advice on how to treat it was a little more universal. Bed rest, a liquid food diet, and an avoidance of draughts usually figured. The South Bucks Standard advised a tincture of Quinine as a useful remedy if not a complete cure.
Interestingly, reported relapses or reinfections seem to have been quite common. A Dr Parsons, quoted in The Daily News, said a resurgence of symptoms was frequent 10-14 days after the first attack, which he put down to an exposure to cold before a total recovery had been made. It seems initial infection did not give much immunity.
The grave of flu victim John Hoddinott, (d.1st May 1891 aged 63) along with wife Elizabeth who died June 23 1916 age 84
Grave of Horace William Campbell tiny victim of the flu pandemic.
Written and researched by Kathryn Day.
SOURCES/FURTHER READING
Henley Advertiser - February 1st 1890, held in British Library archive, and accessed via the BNA November 2020.
Chesham Examiner, May 14 1890, as above.
Maidenhead Advertiser - May 6, June 24, December 30, 1891. January 4 1892, December 13 1893 - as above
South Bucks Standard - June 26, December 11 1891, as above.
Reading Mercury - January 9, 16 1892 - as above
Bucks Herald - January 16 1892 - as above
For an overview of the outbreak in Europe see International medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
See Here for Guardian article about the possibility of the virus having crossed from cattle to humans as a form of coronavirus.
To find people of interest on the blog choose the Person Index on the drop down menu. To read more posts about everyday life in old Marlow and other medical related posts, see the post listing here
©MarlowAncestors. You are welcome to quote from this research for family or local history purposes if you credit this blog and link back here so my sources also remain credited.
