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<h2 class="">The case in short</h2>
<div class="fact collapsableContent "><ul><li class="lab-bodytext-line">Flu causes 5 million hospitalisations annually worldwide.</li><li class="lab-bodytext-line">Pandemic flu strains emerge from animal reservoirs.</li><li class="lab-bodytext-line">H5N1 spreads widely, adapting to infect mammals.</li><li class="lab-bodytext-line">We need universal vaccines to prevent future pandemics.</li></ul></div>
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<p>Most people associate influenza with a respiratory cold that often entails fever and a feeling of overall fatigue, typically necessitating a few days of bed rest. </p><p>What those who have never fallen seriously ill with it may not realize is just how deceptive the virus can be. </p><p>Influenza results in an estimated 5 million hospitalisations each year, leading to approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths attributed to respiratory complications worldwide. </p><p>Many of these incidents predominantly affect high-risk groups, particularly the elderly and those with chronic health issues, yet healthy individuals can also experience severe complications after seemingly mild infections.</p><h3>Pandemic threats from influenza</h3>
<p>Severe influenza cases spike dramatically during flu pandemics. Following the recent global crisis brought about by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the specter of another pandemic looms concerningly. </p><p>Although pandemics are rare occurrences, the devastation they can leave in their wake cannot be underestimated. <br/></p><div data-element-guid="8f372a67-97e8-4313-b64f-96733238651c" class="quotebox column desktop-floatRight mobile-floatRight small-12 large-8 small-abs-12 large-abs-8">
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<h3 class="" style="">H5N1 bird flu is spreading in mammals and has begun infecting humans</h3>
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<p>Historically, influenza viruses have been responsible for four significant pandemics since the 1900s. The 1918 pandemic, for instance, resulted in over 40 million fatalities—a figure that even surpassed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. </p><p>Although it is impossible to foretell the timing, location, or severity of the next influenza pandemic, one thing remains certain: it is bound to happen sooner or later.</p><h3>The animal reservoir of influenza viruses</h3><p>Influenza pandemics originate from viral strains that exist in animals rather than circulating among humans. </p><p>Wild birds harbor the widest array of influenza viruses, but these strains also circulate in pigs, horses, and dogs. </p><p>Pandemics are triggered when an animal-derived influenza virus mutates or exchanges genetic material, granting it the ability to infect humans. </p><p>The uncertainty surrounding the number of mutations required for an animal strain to become human-transmissible complicates any risk assessment for future pandemics.</p><h3>Why H5N1 poses a special concern</h3><p>Particular attention has been drawn to H5N1 avian influenza viruses as potential culprits for future flu pandemics. </p><p>These H5N1 viruses are uniquely dangerous; highly pathogenic in birds, they lead to substantial mortality in chicken populations. </p><p>The consequences of a pandemic arising from such a virulent avian strain in humans cannot be underestimated. </p><p>A significant proportion of the few recorded H5N1 human infections have ended fatally; however, these instances remain rare, particularly due to the absence of human-to-human transmission. </p><h3>Global spread and evolution of H5N1</h3>
<p>Since its initial identification in poultry in Hong Kong back in 1997, H5N1 has spread to various regions, traveling with migratory birds across Asia, Europe, and Africa, which has resulted in outbreaks among poultry and sporadic human infections linked to contact with infected birds. </p><p>It has continued to evolve into multiple strains, inflicting severe consequences among both domestic and wild birds. </p><h3>Recent infections in mammals raise alarms</h3><p>As of 2022, H5N1 made its way to the Americas via migratory birds. It has since caused widespread outbreaks in poultry throughout North and South America and proliferated among wild birds, leading to a surge of genetic diversity. </p><p>Alarmingly, H5N1 viruses have recently infected dairy cows in the United States. </p><p>This adaptation in mammals raises concerns due to the observed genetic alterations in H5N1 strains, which are characteristic of adaptations to mammalian hosts. </p><p>With cows in particular presenting a higher likelihood of virus transmission to humans, there have been documented cases of human infections associated with livestock, although there may be undetected cases. </p><div data-element-guid="17b49f8b-470c-4cf0-b8c6-ac56c17247c3" class="quotebox column desktop-floatRight mobile-floatRight small-12 large-8 small-abs-12 large-abs-8">
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<h3 class="" style="">Current flu vaccines don’t protect against animal-origin influenza viruses.</h3>
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<p>The primary route of transmission among humans appears to be through contaminated milk, affecting those working on farms as well as domesticated animals like cats and mice. </p><p>Fortunately, current infections have not led to severe illness in cows or the few humans who have been infected. </p><p>Despite the low incidence of severe outcomes, the persistent presence of the virus in cows raises alarms about potential future transmission risks. </p><h3>Towards improved influenza prevention strategies</h3><p>Given the limitations of existing flu vaccines, which fail to provide protection against influenza variants originating from animals, it is critical that we invest in the development of more effective vaccination strategies that can guard against a wide array of influenza strains. </p><p>Potential advancements may lie in discovering new vaccines designed to target conserved regions of influenza viruses. </p><p>These promising innovations, known as universal flu vaccines, are currently under investigation, although progress is hindered by a lack of funding and commercial interest. </p><p>Developing effective preventative measures extends beyond just influenza and can also address the potential threat posed by other pandemic-capable viruses, such as coronaviruses or monkeypox. </p><p>To ensure successful pandemic prevention, a collaborative effort is essential, bringing together academia, the pharmaceutical sector, government bodies, media, public health leaders, and international organizations due to the borderless nature of viruses. </p><p>All stakeholders must prioritize lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic to foster a coordinated response to future infectious disease threats.</p><p class="italic m-italic" data-lab-italic="italic">(Professor Adolfo García-Sastre will be talking in more detail about these issues <a href="https://uni.oslomet.no/pansoc/2024/08/19/pansoc-guest-lecture/" target="_blank">in his presentation this Wednesday</a> at the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters)</p>
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Ah, my dear readers! Gather ‘round as we delve into the rather amusing topic of influenza—a subject so exciting it makes lawn care seem like skydiving! Yes, this little virus is often mistaken for a glorified cold, and I can almost hear you saying, “Flu? Pfft! What’s the big deal?” Well, hold onto your hats because we are about to embark on a thrilling journey exploring why the flu is less of a winter’s nap and more of an uninvited house guest armed with the latest viral weaponry!
Flu, Not Just a Bad Hair Day!
First and foremost, let’s set the record straight: influenza isn’t that annoying acquaintance who shows up uninvited just to flaunt their collection of weird mugs. According to the data knitted together by those intellects in lab coats, flu causes a staggering 5 million hospitalisations every year across the globe. That’s not a mere ‘Oh dear, I might need a day off.’ That’s a full-blown, "I just called my mother to tell her I love her because I’m seeing the light!" moment! Mortality rates linger between 290,000 to 650,000 yearly. So, the next time you chuckle at someone’s runny nose, think of it not as a mere inconvenience but as a potential plot twist in the grand “Survivor: Virus Edition.”
Pandemic – A Word That Sends Chills, Not Thrills!
Now, we’ve just crawled out of a pandemic nightmare courtesy of a little thing called SARS-CoV-2—a global epic so dramatic that Netflix is considering a series based on it. But here’s the kicker: influenza pandemics are like that surprise sequel no one asked for.
The infamous 1918 pandemic made COVID-19’s numbers look like a pre-school attendance record, claiming more than 40 million lives. And while our fortune-telling skills are questionable at best, we can say with absolute certainty that another influenza pandemic is lurking in the shadows, biding its time to leap at us like a predator ready to pounce.
Birds of a Feather – and Not the Good Kind!
With pandemics originating from animals (insert interpretative eye roll here), let’s chat about the avian stars of this show: H5N1. The virus that started squawking away in poultry back in 1997 has evolved into one sophisticated beast, wandering from Asia to Europe and now kicking around in your backyard’s wild birds.
But fret not, bird watchers! While H5N1 is adept at turning our feathered friends into sad little coughers, it’s yet to develop a taste for human buffet. Currently, it’s playing the long game, evolving through clever mutations that allow it to spread like gossip in a small town.
Cows: The New Pandemic Drama Queens!
Now here comes the juicy gossip—H5N1 has recently decided that cows are now part of its social circle! It’s taken its talents to America, infecting our beloved dairy cows. I mean, it’s always the ones that seem the most innocent, isn’t it? You think you’re just getting a nice glass of milk, but what’s really in your cereal could be a whole new round of panic… cue horror music.
Scientists have linked human infections to contaminated milk from these bovine buddies. I’d wager they didn’t see that on the label! “Contains Vitamin D, Calcium, and Potential Pandemic Threats—Shake Well Before Drinking.” Silver lining: Most infections have been mild, but as we know from horror flicks, it’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for.
The Call for Universal Vaccines!
So where do we go from here? Current flu vaccines are like that one towel at your gym—the one that’s been through the wringer and probably isn’t doing its job. They don’t protect us against those tricky animal-origin viruses. Cue the catchy chorus about the “Universal Flu Vaccines”—the holy grail of vaccination!
There are prototypes simmering away in labs, but the support for ‘Vaccine 2.0’ is about as enthusiastic as a Monday morning. Yet, if we want to avoid future viral escapades, it’s time for serious investments in innovative vaccination strategies.
Collaboration: Not Just for Team Building Events!
Lastly, let’s sprinkle a bit of the old team spirit here. Effective pandemic prevention requires a “Get the Band Back Together” approach. We need cooperation amongst academia, pharmaceuticals, governments, and yes, even the local gossip hub—hello, journalists!
Because remember, folks, viruses don’t recognize borders, and neither should our efforts to curb them. So as we all hoist our glasses of milk (not from infected cows, please!) let’s not forget the lessons we learned from the last pandemonium and gear up for whatever Mother Nature throws our way next!
And with that, dear readers, I leave you with the profound thought that while viruses may be quite cheeky in their approach to life, so can we—just with a tad bit more hand sanitizer and a lot less panic. Cheers!
H5N1, may cause mild symptoms in humans unless you’re lactose intolerant—then it’s a different kind of drama!” Fortunately, cases of severe illness from this transmission have been rare, allowing us to breathe a little easier, though the ever-present risk reminds us that vigilance is key.
### Tackling the Trove of Influenza
The quest for effective flu prevention is a bit like finding that perfect avocado in a grocery store: often elusive but always worth the effort. While we trudge through influenza season armed with vaccines that might as well be made from fairy dust, it’s clear we need a game-changer. Current flu vaccines often fail to cover the ever-evolving strains that spring forth from our feathered and furry friends, meaning it’s high time we brought our A-game to vaccine development.
The concept of **universal flu vaccines** is stirring up excitement among researchers. They aim to target the regions of the flu virus that remain relatively unchanged over time, making them potentially capable of providing broader protection. But alas, like many great innovations, progress is mired down by a shortage of funding and commercial interest, leaving these promising developments somewhere between a dream and a reality.
### Beyond Influenza: A Call for Collaborative Action
Taking a proactive approach to influenza isn’t just about flu—it’s about safeguarding against the next potentially catastrophic virus. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of collaboration across sectors: academics, pharmaceutical companies, government bodies, and public health leaders. By joining forces, we can create a united front against the sneaky viruses that don’t play by the rules.
We must view our world as interconnected, recognizing that the nature of viral transmission knows no borders. As we strategize for future outbreaks, it is crucial to codify the insights and strategies gleaned from recent events, ensuring we are better prepared for whatever microscopic menace may lurk around the corner.
So, dear readers, as we laugh and shake our heads at the antics of influenza and its viral companions, let’s not forget to take the threat seriously. After all, proactive measures today can help prevent pandemic drama tomorrow! Let’s ensure the next chapter in our viral saga doesn’t lead to a sequel in the “Survivor: Virus Edition.”
And if you’re curious for more on this important subject, join **Professor Adolfo García-Sastre** for his in-depth discussion on these pressing issues at his presentation this Wednesday at the **Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters**. Your health—and laughter—may depend on it!
