Lately there has been a lot of press on the possibility of another 'killer' flu like the pandemic in 1918- is this really reasonable? My understanding that most of the deaths from the past flu pandemics were not due to the virus itself, but due to complications caused by other pathogens (ie pneumonia) taking advantage of the victims illness.

We are so much further advanced in our medical knowledge and treatments that it seems hard to believe that a pandemic like those in the past could break loose. Look at the SARS virus... it was deadly and contagious, but was quickly stomped down... victims and their possible contacts were quickly isolated and it burned itself out. We now have a fairly good understanding of viruses and how they spread. We also have a good ability to fight the complications that lead to death. This doesnt apply to the third world- as usual they will suffer the most.