Called “La grippe,” “three-day fever” and the “Spanish flu,” the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 ravaged communities worldwide, claiming the lives of an estimated 25 million to 50 million people.

Called “La grippe,” “three-day fever” and the “Spanish flu,” the influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 ravaged communities worldwide, claiming the lives of an estimated 25 million to 50 million people.

Often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays also can be the most stressful. According to a 2015 holiday poll conducted by Consumer Reports, Americans are most stressed during the holidays by long lines (68 percent), racking up debt (32 percent) and seeing certain relatives (20 percent).

Often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays also can be the most stressful. According to a 2015 holiday poll conducted by Consumer Reports, Americans are most stressed during the holidays by long lines (68 percent), racking up debt (32 percent) and seeing certain relatives (20 percent).

In William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part II,” the title character laments, “Oh sweet sleep, nature’s gentle healer, what have I done to frighten you? You won’t weigh down my eyelids anymore, or dull my mind to make me forget.”

In William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part II,” the title character laments, “Oh sweet sleep, nature’s gentle healer, what have I done to frighten you? You won’t weigh down my eyelids anymore, or dull my mind to make me forget.”