In 1918, upwards of 50 million people died from the flu.
While ulterior politic motives are possible and often likely, we have within living memory the reality of a deadly pandemic. We need to leave the conspiracy theories aside when these outbreaks occur. This stuff is major league.
When the Spanish flu was killing people, we had no antibiotics for any secondary infections involving bacteria, we had very little access to IV technology for hydration (that took off in the 1950s), and aspirin was considered new, cutting edge treatment for fever.
The high death rate for Spanish Flu says a lot about the medical situation in 1918. For equivalent death rates today, you’d need a disease significantly worse.
I admit that poor areas in China may be living today like it was still 1918. That’s not good for them. But the US is unlikely to see much death from this. Sure, anything is possible. But the media does hype this stuff every year. I don’t panic when the boy cries wolf.
[[While ulterior politic motives are possible and often likely, we have within living memory the reality of a deadly pandemic.]]
Go to old grave years and you will notice that a lot of children died during those years due to epidemics- one of which was the spanish flu-
[[This stuff is major league.]]
It certainly does have the potential to be- however, scientists have stated they could begin experimental vaccine within three months- but, by that time- many folks could potentially be suffering from the virus, and spreading it- and just because they will be experimenting with it does not mean it will be widely available-
A different time with less science/medical knowledge and the advanced labs to address it. I read that the labs are already close to a preventative vaccine for this strain.
Yes, I have three intl flights booked over the next 6 weeks and somewhat nervous, none are to China but still.