Facts and Ideas from Anywhere (Influenza Virus) (Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe) (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) (Editorial‪)‬

INFLUENZA VIRUS In 1918, a new influenza virus, whose natural home was in birds, infected humans. Within months, it adapted to its new host, starting with US soldiers in World War I military camps and spreading rapidly from person to person. This influenza virus killed more people than any other plague in history. In 24 weeks it killed more people than AIDS has killed in 24 years. The 1918 epidemic killed at least 50 million people and perhaps as many as 100 million. The world's population then was only 28% of today's; a comparable death toll today would be 175 million to 325 million.