Yass, like much of NSW, was in the grip of a serious influenza epidemic in 1919. The Yass Courier of February 6, 1919 reported that new cases of flu were recorded daily in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as in Newcastle, and a death in Albury. People were instructed not to go on railway premises in Yass without masks.
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The Sun in Sydney from February 22, 1919 reported that Yass Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution requesting that the government prohibit travel from flu affected areas to those unaffected without a special medical certificate. Concern about the epidemic led council to offer free flu innoculations.
The Yass committee coordinating peace celebrations marking the formal end of World War One recommended postponement of these on April 24, 1919. Whilst flu numbers in Yass weren't high, it was felt it would be incongruous for celebrations to proceed while elsewhere "funeral processions were passing down the streets".
As flu cases in Yass increased, the council advertised for voluntary aid nurses in case another hospital was needed. Free innoculations were again offered. Mayor Alexander Shaw requested citizens refrain as much as possible from congregating in buildings or public places. On May 15, The Yass Courier reported that Red Cross met to discuss supply of food to flu patients in North Yass.
A death was reported at Binalong with the ambulance sent as more cases were reported there. The Australian Hotel was isolated after Mrs Anderson, wife of the licensee, developed influenza. Numbers of admissions of flu cases to Yass Hospital exceeded discharges. It was reported on June 19, that the municipal health inspector discovered Indigenous people camped by Yass River who were badly affected. So 19 flu sufferers and contacts were moved to the showgrounds. Many improved. But Stan Carroll's infant son Ronald was moved to hospital and later died.
A flu case from Yass Junction was also moved to the showgrounds. Cases were reported from Burrinjuck with four deaths recorded. Louis H. Elliot died on Sunday, July 6, aged 38. He had been employed at Yass Tribune for 23 years, was treasurer for Yass Premier Band and one of the Fire Brigade. Later that month, William Pateman of Jeir was recorded as dying at Yass Hospital. Annie Edith Smith, aged 26, fell ill with influenza about 10 days after her husband had been taken to hospital, and subsequently died, leaving three young children. In total, eight died in Yass from pneumatic flu.
The February 2, 1920, Yass Courier reported that the Yass Hospital Board president had been complimented on the handling of the flu epidemic. The year long crisis had ended.
