I find the 2009 H1N1 outbreak fascinating. Mainly due to how easily the virus proliferates. The world is more connected than ever. A potential pandemic can easily spread worldwide in the matter of days.

I read about pandemic preparedness and the Spanish Flu of 1918 - 1919. If this virus is on the same scale as the Spanish Flu, 1.8 billion people could potentially get sick and 18 million could die; if we are basing the calculations on 30% and 1% ratios.

Those ratios would be on the high side of the worse case scenarios envisioned by governments. If this virus turns out to be as lethal as it has been in Mexico and the Spanish Flu, the United States will get through it OK, but it will be devastating in underdeveloped countries. Stay tuned to the WHO and your friendly news for more.

- Brandon

 

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