Swine Flu in Perspective: Pandemic Scares Throughout History

Before there was swine flu...

As we enter peak flu season, the United States is weathering a second wave of swine flu, which has already infected millions of Americans. Vaccines are (finally) being delivered, but shortages have been reported around the country.

It's important to keep swine flu fears in perspective. Although swine flu—or the H1N1 influenza, as it is officially known—is estimated to have killed more than 4,000 in the United States and many more worldwide, this outbreak has been 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)

Credit: Life.com