Pandemic Scares Throughout History
Although H1N1 influenza killed more than 4,000 people in the United States in 2009-2010, this outbreak was relatively mild compared to some flu pandemics. In this slideshow, we revisit the century's worst flu pandemics—and false alarms.
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Before there was swine flu...
The H1N1 flu virus is estimated to have killed more than 4,000 in the United States and many more worldwide in the 2009-2010 flu season, causing the first global flu pandemic in over 40 years.
Vaccines are now available that give combined protection against H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
Overall, this outbreak was relatively minor compared to past pandemics. In this slideshow, we revisit the century's worst flu pandemics—and false alarms.
« During a 1939 flu scare, a baby wears a polite message to keep sick people away.
Next: Spanish flu (1918)
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