There is a cemetery in west-central Texas near our family ranch. There are many headstones there with death dates in 1918. Most are infants and toddlers. It’s very sobering to walk through them.
Comparisons to the Spanish Flu of 1918-19 are very valid, as this has a "R0" (infectious spread) rate HIGHER than that of the Spanish Flu. Death rate (CFR) is also significantly higher (currently at 3.4% vs 2'ish% for SF). Add in global air travel with thousands of flights per day, subways, busses, mass transit, etc..and you have the makings of a total global disaster.
Sobering too.
Same for a cemetery just outside Farmington NM. I remember seeing the church, and lots of crosses in the grave yard back in 1955. Years later I learned most are from 1918.