The influenza pandemic of 1918-19 killed 20 million people worldwide. Could it happen again?

The influenza pandemic of 1918-19 killed 20 million people worldwide, more than half a million in the U.S. alone. Could it happen again? Why was this particular flu so deadly? Where do influenza viruses come from, anyway? A particular country? A particular animal or animals?

Hi Byrd

Here is a different view point on what really caused the issue.

http://www.whale.to/vaccine/sf1.html

Best of health to you

The 1918 epidemic, for some reason, seemed to attack younger people, in their late teens and twenties. Nobody seems to know why.
If I recall correctly, this same virus was around again, just a few years ago, but did not become pandemic.

Supposedly, most of the flu viruses seem to originate in China, in rural areas where people raise pigs and ducks. The viruses go from the critters to humans and then on to other humans all around the world. As weird as this sounds, it is the case.

Our health care is more sophisticated now, so it seems less likely. But many professionals believe if the Avian flu mutates to a human variety, we could have another devastating outbreak like we did then.

yes it will happen again. history has shown that. the viruses mutate and become very serious.

a pandemic could very well arrive and wipe out even more.They make up innoculations against flu but its always a year late because they need part of the virus in order to make the antidote.No special country is responsible for starting the bug.It could be any number of viral organisms that have met up somehow and mutated into a viral strain that is airborne ..its in the air when an affected person coughs or sneezes..its on doorknobs and coins and every surface we touch..thats why its so important to wash your hands often..especially before eating or preparing food.A pandemic would be a blessing..it would wipe out the weak and leave the strong behind to run the world with less freight..I would welcome flu to take me away from all of this madness.