What exactly does WHO mean by a “pandemic”? Does it mean mass fatalities are likely or inevitable?
A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic of a disease. It does not necessarily mean mass fatalities. A pandemic refers to how far across the globe the disease has spread, rather than its severity, and as such a pandemic can result in a low fatality count. It may start mild and become severe, or vice versa. It may also start mild and stay that way, or start severe and stay severe. It could last between 18 months and two years and come in waves.
