Health 1918 Flu Epidemic WTTW News | May 7, 2009, 7:00 pm 8,500 Chicagoans lost their lives to the so-called "Spanish Flu" in 1918. Rich Samuels tells us how the city tried to prevent the spread of the disease as he concludes our look at the deadliest pandemic of the 20th century. Thanks to our sponsors: View all sponsors Thanks to our sponsors: View all sponsors Related Stories Americans With Disabilities Worry About Proposed Changes to Major National Health Survey Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program Surpasses $1B Goal in Two Years As Pope Leo XIV Recovers From Surgery, Diagnosis Brings Attention to Lung Cancer Rush and Endeavor Health Announce Plans to Merge Hospital Systems Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery to Remove Part of Right Lung Pope Leo XIV Says He Will Undergo Surgery to Remove a Nodule on His Lung Sign up for our morning newsletter to get all of our stories delivered to your mailbox each weekday. View the discussion thread.