NORTH CAROLINA -- Medical experts are making connections between the current coronavirus outbreak and the global flu pandemic of 1918.

That flu infected one out of every three people on the planet, killing millions.

Experts do not believe numbers from the coronavirus will come close to that but there are also lessons we can learn to treat the current pandemic.

"Maybe we should start thinking about being more proactive in being able to anticipate the next unanticipated problem that we might see, whether it be from the standpoint of infectious diseases or whether it be from other standpoints that could greatly affect society," says Associate Professor David Pitonzo of High Point University.

Pitonzo also mentioned that global mobility and the quick passage of information are playing larger roles in the current pandemic.

Professor Jennifer Toller Erausquin mentioned social distancing as a strategy used back then that is still relevant today.

She also recommends decision leaders consider vulnerable populations, both physically and economically.

Professors also say we should acknowledge the importance of listening to public health experts when they put measures in place like social distancing.