This epidemic started about four weeks ago, and has developed so rapidly that the camp is demoralized and all ordinary work is held up till it has passed. . . . These men start with what appears to be an ordinary attack of LaGrippe or Influenza, and when brought to the [hospital] they very rapidly develop the most viscous type of Pneumonia that has ever been seen. Two hours after admission they have the Mahogany spots over the cheek bones, and a few hours later you can begin to see the Cyanosis [blue or purple discolorations] extending from their ears and spreading all over the face . . . . It is only a matter of a few hours then until death comes, and it is simply a struggle for air until they suffocate. It is horrible. . . . We have been averaging about 100 deaths per day, and still keeping it up. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a new mixed infection here, but what I don't know. –A physician stationed in Boston, September 1918 Which phrase supports the fact that the influenza of 1918 was an epidemic? “These men start with what appears to be an ordinary attack of LaGrippe or Influenza.” “They have the Mahogany spots over the cheek bones.” “It is simply a struggle for air until they suffocate.” “We have been averaging about 100 deaths per day, and still keeping it up.”