Abstract
Pandemic flu The influenza pandemic in 1918-9 killed about 40-50 million people worldwide.4 Disruption was widespread, and civilised society broke down in some communities. The world population is now much bigger, and domestic and international travel is more extensive. Although modern medicine may prepare us better for the medical consequences of pandemic flu, the socioeconomic consequences could be even more devastating this time. Pandemic flu could be the biggest disruptive challenge that society will face. This makes it more important that we learn all we can from the past.