Do you not understand the concept of severity, versus frequency? 60,000,000 flu cases are frequency. 12000 deaths to 60000000 infections is a very low mortality (severity) rate. So far in US, 89 deaths to 4500 or so infections is about 2%. 2% of 60000000 would produce 1200000 deaths, 100 times greater than 12000/60000000. Very high severity rate. So, call it what you will, but scoff at your own peril.