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The estimated influenza mortality rate (IMR) for the 1957 H2N2 pandemic was 60/100,000 and was about half or 30/100,000 for the 1968 H3N2 pandemic.  WHO’s estimate of the IMR for recent seasonal flu viruses is about  5-6/100,000 and CDC’s estimate is about 12/100,000.  If these rates were applied to the current world population of 7 billion this would result in 400,000 and 800,000 deaths, respectively.  Official estimates of global deaths that may be attributed to the 2009 H1N1 virus have not been made, but the global total will probably not be more than a few hundred thousand – i.e., less than that seen during an average influenza season!

The following disease specific mortality rates/100,000 in the USA provide some perspective on the relative severity and public health impact of these diseases:

Smoking-related causes. – MR = >140; automobile crashes, MR = 13.7; Suicides, MR =10.3; Homicides – MR = 5.1;

Average “seasonal” flu viruses, MR = 12; 2009 H1N1 “pandemic” – MR = 4