“However, please remember that the “Spanish” flu of 1918 probably killed more people than the plague (Black Death), estimates as high as 100 million.”
Yes, and there were a hell of a lot more people then, and alot better travel options than in 1400. % is more important, and the black plagueS (there were many over the centuries) killed about 1/3 of the European populace overall.
“The 1918 flu was H1N1 and was avian in origin.”
I heard some time ago (before this craze) that they believe it was actually a swine-based flu.
Researchers think that the 1918 virus was avian in origin, but research is not conclusive. I’ve read that the current strain has avian, porcine, and human markers. Strange stuff.
Here’s a CDC paper published in Jan., 2006, prior to the current panic and political situation:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol12no01/05-0979.htm
A very interesting read.
Whatever the origin, I think we all want it to just go away.
Just like this one, it had aspects of both swine and avian flu.