[Sherman Logan]

The 1918 bug was by far the most virulent in history.

It is, of course, possible that a much more virulent type than the 1918 version could evolve, but it seems unlikely.

There have actually been bugs with much higher mortality rates and speed of attack than the 1918 one. They tend to actually be LESS deadly, as they kill their hosts so fast the disease can’t spread far. What was so deadly about the 1918 flu was its balance of characteristics, which allowed it to spread rapidly while still being very deadly. Of course, modern high-speed transportation changes the equations.

BTW, my Dad used to talk about being six years old and watching his father and uncles carry eight family members out of a neighbor’s house. All had died.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Latest from CDC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8018356.stm

[Tarheel]

My grandmother was a young mother of two during the Spanish Flu. Grandfather caught it but recovered. Baby Emil got it and d/n survive. Most people just took care of their own sick at home with good supportive care.

She told how people would place their dead wrapped in sheets with an ID tag at the garden or yard gate. Undertakers would come along and pick up the deceased. There were no gatherings for funerals or anything else including church, school, etc.