The Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 killed between 20-50 million people and the attached image shows what it looked like for various cities.
We have known for some time that pandemics can hit at any time.
We have known for some time that with air travel (also known as flying, people-dense incubators!) a pandemic today could be much worse than in 1918-1919.
We have also known for some time that when they do, our best chance will be a coordinated intra-government and inter-governmental response.
Why? Because—much like climate change—viruses don’t need passports to travel.
So, will the current Wuhan Coronavirus become a Spanish Flu-like pandemic?
Let’s hope not.
But if it does, and if you live in the United States, you can sleep as easy as the extent you think the United States Government believes in science and can work with other countries.
Sleep well.