Had a slight attack of influenza...

Influenza Epidemic of 1918–19, also called Spanish Influenza Epidemic, was the most severe influenza outbreak of the 20th century and, in terms of total numbers of deaths, possibly the most devastating epidemic in human history. Influenza is caused by a virus that is transmitted from person to person through airborne respiratory secretions. An outbreak can occur if a new strain of influenza virus emerges against which the population has no immunity. The Influenza Epidemic of 1918–19—which is more precisely called a pandemic because it affected populations throughout the world—resulted from such an occurrence. On average influenza pandemics occur every 30 to 40 years, so it was not the event but the severity and speed of transmission of the virus that marked this episode as unusual. 

The outbreak occurred in three waves. The first apparently originated in Camp Funston, Kansas, U.S., in early March 1918. American troops that arrived in western Europe in April to participate in World War I are thought to have brought the virus with them, and by July it had spread to Poland. The first wave of influenza was comparatively mild; however, during the summer the virus mutated into a more lethal strain and a second more severe form of the disease emerged in August 1918. Pneumonia often developed quickly, with death usually coming two days after the first indications of the flu. For example, at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, U.S., six days after the first case of influenza was reported, there were 6,674 cases. The third wave of the epidemic occurred in the following winter, and by the spring the virus had run its course. In the two later waves about half the deaths were among 20- to 40-year-olds, an unusual age pattern for influenza.

In this letter to his mother, Grant talks about having an attack of flu. His only lasted a day or so but this was most likely an early wave of the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic. Grant talks about it making the rounds in the army. 

Convois Autos.,
S.S.U. 647,
Par B.C.M.,
France.

Tuesday, June 25, 1918

Dear Mother:-

I can’t tell you how badly it makes me feel to hear you say, as you did in your May 20 letter received but a few minutes ago, that my April letter had arrived.  Are you really only getting one letter a month from me?  McCrackin from Montana says his mother only receives about one letter a month from him.  Why is it and where do they all go to?  I must have written all of ten to you in April.  I’m at a loss to know the reason for it.  Other parents are receiving mail regularly from this side.  For the last two weeks I have been writing you every 48 hours as we are relieved and come back to rest up for another 48 hours on post.  I’m due to go out again tonight but have had a slight attack of influenza; which seems to be going the rounds of the army so am to be held over a shift--meaning 48 hours more.  The fever lasts about 3 days but my attack must have been light for my fever left me last night.  Am up and around today though rather shaky on my twigs.  Putnam, Klein, Wilder and Bodfish are all out with the same ailment so perhaps you can imagine how very busy the available men must be.  McGuire left us with this same disease about three weeks ago (they thought it best to take him to a hospital.)  He was evacuated several times and we have lost track of him.  It was last reported that he was at a Base Hospital near Base #66 where we were in early April so this morning our Lieutenant left in his staff car to hunt for him.  We want McGuire back with us very much indeed.

Lieutenant Anderson has left us and we have a new Lieut. (Lieut. Smith) from V.M.I.(Virginia Military Institute) who has just been over here since the first of the year.  He’s a “true blue” and the fellows are wild about him.  Many changes are taking place with us these days but without a word of complaint from any of us for we know our Lieutenant is behind us and fighting for us.

Our division is moving but we do not move with them.  We stay right here and work with the new division which will be French and American--rookies.  (Not French rookies, you understand, because there are none such).

Nothing more has been done about permissions and probably won’t be for awhile.

Got a letter from Bill Everett today but he had not received my letter telling of the proposed permission.  I certainly wish I could write as much in detail as he does.  In fact I sometimes wonder if the reason for my letters not reaching you is not due to my trying to tell too much.  Gee, but his work is interesting.

Things are looking fine on the front. Very encouraging developments as you note by the papers.

Got a bill from Literary Digest people.  Shall I pay it?  I would be glad to because it is very much appreciated (the paper, I mean).

Boost the Red Cross and Salvation Army.  They are doing splendid work over here.

Your loving son,

Grant.