H1N1 influenza virus now in post-pandemic period.
A small number of those infected have developed a severe form of primary viral pneumonia.
Swine flu killed 16000 to 25000 people worldwide many suffering from pre-existing conditions. The virus was not very pathogenic or highly transmissable.
Fewer than 25% of people sought vaccination.
Vaccines could not be developed and delivered quickly.
Providing clear and straightforward information inlanguage that is easy to understand is paramount to build trust allay unnecessary anxiety and to encourage people to behave in ways that help prevent infection. The media play a key role.
There are normally 500000 deaths a year globally from normal flu.
The 1918-19 flu pandemic killed more than 50 million people globally.
We also had SARS.
In the 21st century the next viral threat is a plane-ride away.
Peter Curson Professor of Population and Security Centre for International Security Studies University of Sydney