The Spanish flu in remissionFor many it seems that there is finally reason to breathe a deep sigh of relief. The deadly Spanish flu, now believed to have begun on the battlefields and military hospitals of the war, appears to be in remission. In the previous two days the death toll rose from 302 to 269, and today it reached a significant low of just 17. Yet the businessmen's advisory committee and our local health commission say we must "continue the fight as long as there is a case of the flu." The eradication of this disease is the responsibility of every citizen and is not simply the responsibility of the doctor. Many are preparing to proclaim the end of this devastating disease that has already claimed the lives of millions of people around the world and forced many Los Angeles residents into isolation. The disease was known on the battlefields where it originated as "three-day fever". The name stuck ever since. It can attack in an instant without warning and leave those it infects dead in less than a week. John C. Acker, a sergeant of the 32nd Division of the U.S. Expeditionary Force, described the course of the disease in more detail: "It runs its course in a week or more. It strikes suddenly and the temperature almost chases the mercury through the upper body." the doctor's thermometer, the face turns red, every bone in the body hurts and the head splits." The disease has been the source of a huge tragedy and has sadly claimed the lives of some of our nation's greatest young people, who successfully fought to repel massive enemy armies despite enormous odds. After these soldiers returned home, a new battle faced Uncle Sam, as the dark shadow of the flu cost the lives of countless civilians and military personnel Los Angeles' reaction to this scourge has been swift. Quarantine has been the official policy. This week those measures continue as nearly all downtown churches announce they will not hold regular Sunday School classes for children as large gatherings could put in place. endangering the lives of young people. Although the measures are only temporary, it was yet another sign of the disruption caused by quarantine measures. The churches that have made this decision come from virtually every denomination.