[sandbar]

>>>I would think that ~50% mortality (among infected humans) is REALLY BAD. In all fairness, the mortality will probably go down once a true human-to-human variant emerges, but the trade-off is that it will be far more communicable.>>

Yes, but look at the location and circumstance of those who did die. Were they malnourished? Filthy environment? Poor health system? All of the above?

[steve86]

Actually, during severe flu pandemics, the younger and healthier are hit the hardest. This is because a strong immune system can work against you (destroying lung tissue in an exaggerated response). In the case of an actual avian influenza, like now, yes those who come into contact with bird droppings in unsanitary circumstances are at risk. But once the strain becomes capable of human-to-human transmission, that is no longer a factor. On the subject of better health care, we are all aware of the shortage of anti-viral drugs and ventilators in hospitals. If too many people get sick, we might as well be in the dark ages.