claim: “Most of the victims of the Spanish flu didn’t die from the Spanish flu. They died from bacterial pneumonia. And the bacterial pneumonia was caused by [...] wearing masks”
evidence: The claim: A study co-authored by Dr. Anthony Fauci found Spanish flu victims died from pneumonia caused by mask-wearing. [...] "And the bacterial pneumonia was caused by... wait for it, wait for it... wearing masks." [...] We rate this claim FALSE because it is not supported by our research. Dr. Anthony Fauci and colleagues did write a 2008 paper determining victims of the 1918 Spanish flu died from bacterial pneumonia brought on by the flu. Masks are not mentioned anywhere, whether as source for the bacteria or otherwise.