Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic by Gina Kolata

And the Search for the Virus that Caused It.

In 1918, the Great Flu Epidemic felled the young and healthy virtually overnight. An estimated 40 million people died as the epidemic raged. Children were left orphaned and families were devastated. Eskimos living in remote outposts in the frozen tundra were sickened and killed by the flu in huge numbers. Entire villages were wiped out and those that were left unscathed took to guarding their regions lest strangers enter.

Scientists have recently discovered shards of the flu virus frozen in victims' bodies in Alaska. Delving into the history of the flu and previous epidemics, detailing the science and latest understanding of this mortal disease, Kolata addresses the prospects for an epidemic recurring.