In “Keep at a Safe Distance,” published by the Big Stone Gap Post on December 4, 1918, the editors report that influenza is reoccurring in communities thought to be rid of it. They warn of its virulence and give advice on how to avoid spreading and catching the virus.
Published by the Big Stone Gap Post on November 20, 1918, “Flew on the Wings of Death to the Hills” reports on the horrors endured by communities in Southwest Virginia during the influenza pandemic of 1918 in the absence of adequate health care, food, and supplies.
In “Stop Influenza,” published by the Big Stone Gap Post on October 9, 1918, U.S. Surgeon General Rupert Blue calls on communities to restrict public gathering in order to stop the spread of influenza pandemic of 1918–1919.
Published by the Big Stone Gap Post on October 2, 1918, “Spread by Careless Folk,” is the first mention of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 in the newspaper.
In “Preparing to Combat With Influenza Epidemic” published by the Big Stone Gap Post on October 16, 1918, the editors report on public health efforts in Big Stone Gap to prepare the city and surrounding region for the spread of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919. They describe citizens’ participation and compliance with new policies as a form of patriotism comparable to military service in World War I (1914–1918), which is echoed in “Call For Nurses.”
In “Notice: The Following Rules and Regulations Are Promulgated by the Local Board of Health of Big Stone Gap, Va.,” published by the Big Stone Gap Post on October 16, 1918, the editors report on restrictions the Big Stone Gap Board of Health put in place to slow the spread of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919.
In “Spread of Influenza,” published by the Big Stone Gap Post on October 16, 1918, the editors report on the spread of the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 in southwest Virginia, noting the economic impact it was already beginning to have.
