ST. LOUIS _ The year was 2009, and the pandemic was caused by a strain of influenza known as swine flu, then H1N1. But similarities to the current virus outbreak end there.
COVID-19, the illness caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome _ known as SARS _ coronavirus 2, is much more contagious and many times more deadly. There are no approved treatments or vaccines, leading to lockdowns and quarantines ordered by public health officials.
The novel coronavirus appears to cause more severe illness and deaths in older people, although scientists are rushing to learn more.
