The Terrifying Truth About Pandemics

Pandemics are different from normal infectious diseases, as they are generally new diseases that emerge from wild animals and spread to humans through contact. The viruses mutate and eventually start spreading within the human population.

Pandemics require the outbreak to reach a certain scale before taking off. When the number of cases exceeds the expected level, emergency plans are activated at hospitals and regional and national levels to cope with the increased numbers of people seeking treatment.

The virus strain that hits the population during a pandemic is radically different from the strains that have been circulating previously. This lack of prior immunity leads to higher infection rates and an increased number of people requiring hospitalization.

Historically, pandemics have caused devastating effects. The Black Death, which killed at least 75 million people in the 14th century, serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of pandemics in the modern world.

Influenza is one of the most common viruses that cause pandemics. The influenza virus regularly mutates into new strains, for which the general population has no natural immunity. This results in widespread infection and high mortality rates.

What makes pandemics different from normal infectious diseases?

—Pandemics are generally new diseases that emerge from wild animals and spread to humans through contact. The viruses mutate and eventually start spreading within the human population.

How do hospitals and authorities cope with pandemics?

—When the number of cases exceeds the expected level, hospitals and regional and national authorities activate emergency plans to handle the increased number of people seeking treatment.

Why are pandemics more dangerous than regular infectious diseases?

—During a pandemic, the virus strain that hits the population is radically different from previously circulating strains. This lack of prior immunity leads to higher infection rates and an increased number of people requiring hospitalization.

What are some devastating pandemics in history?

—The Black Death, which killed at least 75 million people in the 14th century, serves as a reminder of the potential impact of pandemics. Influenza pandemics have also caused significant mortality rates throughout history.

What is the role of influenza in pandemics?

—Influenza is one of the most common viruses that cause pandemics. The influenza virus regularly mutates into new strains, for which the general population has no natural immunity. This results in widespread infection and high mortality rates.

00:06Pandemics are a worldwide threat, and with an ever more mobile world population, they are becoming more terrifying.

01:13Pandemics are different from normal infectious diseases, as they emerge from wild animals and spread to humans through contact.

01:48Pandemics require the outbreak to reach a certain scale before taking off. Emergency plans are activated to cope with the increased number of cases.

02:17The virus strain that hits the population during a pandemic is radically different from previously circulating strains, leading to higher infection rates.

05:41The Black Death, which killed at least 75 million people in the 14th century, serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of pandemics.

08:05Influenza is one of the most common viruses that cause pandemics. The lack of prior immunity leads to widespread infection and high mortality rates.