November 20, 2018 (NET)
The CDC estimates that the 1918 Influenza Pandemic killed at least 50 million people worldwide. Transmission of the flu during this time was rapid due to the war where soldiers were in close proximity with one another, who then, traveled around the world, helping to spread the virus even more.
When thinking about the possibility of another flu pandemic, epidemiologist, Tom Safranek believes that travel is definitely an important part of the equation today. He knows that if another mutation breaks out, modern transportation will make it impossible to contain it, and therefore, it will likely spread quickly.
Thankfully, though, the flu is much more understood today. And if something were to break out, people in many areas of the world could isolate themselves easily with home delivery services now available.