“While Substantial Uncertainty Remains, Clinical Severity [of Swine Flu] Appears Less Than That Seen In 1918 But Comparable With That Seen In 1957”

A study published today in the journal Science concludes:

While substantial uncertainty remains, clinical severity [of the current swine flu] appears less than that seen in 1918 but comparable with that seen in 1957.

The 1957 flu killed about 2 million people, which is between four and eight times more deadly than a typical seasonal flu epidemic which cause between 250,000 to 500,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.

The 1918 flu killed between 50 to 100 million people.

Given that the current H1N1 strain has not killed many people to date, I am guessing that the Science projections are assuming a more lethal mutation later this year.