What viruses kills the most people?

The viruses that kill the most people historically include the influenza virus, which causes seasonal epidemics and pandemics, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), responsible for AIDS-related deaths. The hepatitis B and C viruses also contribute significantly to mortality through liver disease and cancer. More recently, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide since its emergence in late 2019.