Every so often, a deadly virus swipes across the world resulting in millions of deaths. Some of them have been around for many years, yet we still have no cure for them. Although advancements in medicine have made treatment possible, another pandemic may very well be around the corner.
The world’s deadliest infectious disease in the last century has been the Spanish Flu. It’s a variation of the influenza virus that has caused anywhere between 50 and 100 million deaths worldwide. The strain responsible is the widely known H1N1 subtype. It’s also the main culprit in the recent outbreaks of the swine flu.
Another deadly virus that’s taken its toll in the last 40 years is HIV. Since the first clinical observation in 1981, it has caused over 35 million deaths and counting. Scientific breakthroughs have made the illness somewhat manageable, but it still remains one of the biggest threats to humanity.
With the constant movement of people across the globe, disease can be spread very easily in today’s world. Even though vaccines and immunotherapy can provide some relief, the threat of future pandemics remains very high. Ultimately, prevention and staying informed continue to be the greatest weapons in this battle.