Recent global flu pandemics are nothing new – from the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918/9 to the Swine flu pandemic of 2009/10. A pandemic occurs shortly after a strain of the flu virus comes back into circulation, when much of the world’s population has not had a chance build up immunity, allowing the flu to spread quickly.
One thing is clear: pandemics are no longer able to spread in the way they did just a hundred years ago. Take a look.
The reason?
Flu vaccinations have played a vital role in halting potentially disastrous pandemics. As they become more scientifically advanced and more widely available they allow people to build up immunity against the re-emerging flu strain.
Have you had your flu shot yet?
