I understand what you're asking. I think the difference here is the potential for so many more deaths and the drastic action needed to prevent this. Don't forget the 8000 flu victims is in a typical winter where no precautions(other than jabs) are taken. We aren't generally told not to mix with elderley/vulnerable when flu is about. I fully understand your point though and have wondered it myself. However as someone recently said,there's no way all these countries would risk their economoies if there was any other choice.