Is medical technology better than 1918? of course, and how long will most health care systems cope with people infected in the millions
Does transport in 2009 allow people who are infected to be basically anywhere on earth within 24 hours spreading the virus in a country where the level of medical technology that exists in western countries doesnt really exist and gives the virus a large population pool to spread and mutate into a more virulent and contagious form?
did the 1918 influenza outbreak singlehandly stop world war 1? no. but the fact that it tended to target young fit people and killed millions did contribute to the end of it
This outbreak is serious and has the potential to become a pandemic. the only reason it wouldnt would be because of good planning and luck