By the end of 1918, some 83 % of those ever reported to be ill to the medical authorities had contracted the disease, and 80 % of the deaths that would be attributed to the pandemic had occurred. Thereafter, the death rate fell, only to resurge somewhat during the third wave in March–April 1919. There was little consensus amongst the medical profession on what medicine worked best. Some suggested quinine and grains of aspirin to reduce fever and grains of opium for sleeplessness. Calomel (mercurous chloride) was liberally prescribed, as doctors then were very keen on keeping the bowels open.
