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John Gerrard says a developed city like Sydney could not cope with an epidemic of the scale of the recent Ebola outbreak. UNMEER/Martine Perret/Flickr, CC BY-NDThe Spanish Flu of 1918 is estimated to have infected around 500 million, and killed between 20 and 40 million, people around the world - all within the space of a year. It is perhaps the deadliest pandemic in human history. We have seen nothing as devastating since, but outbreaks such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, Zika and Ebola highlight that infectious diseases are a constant threat. William Isdale spoke with Dr. John Gerrard about predicting the next major infectious disease threat, and how we can prevent a pandemic from establishing itself in Australia. Subscribe to The Conversation’s Speaking With podcasts on Apple Podcasts, or follow on Tunein Radio. Additional Audio Next News - Return of Ebola 9 News: A Perth mother of three dying after being struck down by a tick CNN News: There will be a pandemic BBC News: Ebola Virus: Film reveals scenes of horror in Liberia The Daily Conversation: Ebola explained CNN News: The Situation Room - MRSA BBC News: Antibiotic resistance Music Free Music Archive: Blue Dot Sessions - Union Hall Melody Free Music Archive: Blue Dot Sessions - Janitor William Isdale does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.