When one compares the flu-related death starting at the end of WW1, humanity is doing very well. This is the first 'universal' response since EBOLA. We did well there and are responding well now. It's just the lack of knowledge that's holding people back.
It's been known for decades that viruses enter via the eye and its a short route to the brain-roof of mouth nervous system which is not protected as well as the brain.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) provides significant protection against microbial invasion of the brain. However, the BBB is not impenetrable, and mechanisms by which viruses breach it are becoming clearer.6 May 2012
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3367119/