The wildcard this time is that the human race has never travelled in the past like we do today. Deadly mutations burnt out before they could do damage on a large scale. A modern example is HIV - once locally deadly in parts of Africa but never a worldwide problem until taken back to North America and Europe by travellers. Even commuting to and fro across large cities in crowded trains etc plays into the hands of mutable pathogens like influenza. Our lungs are wonderfully suited for cross-breeding of different flu viruses and our travelling habits readily seed the world's population before we know it's happened.
Before we develop specific vaccines - anti-virals are our only hopes of heading off a nasty mutation.
This may be a fizzer - but we have been warned - the microbial world has plenty of surprises in store - many will have unpleasant consequences.
BTA Price at posting:
$1.41 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
