How bird flu could become a pandemic

In this episode, Jess and Sarah discuss the current state of bird flu, particularly H5N1, with expert Dr. Chad Costley. They explore the implications of recent CDC updates, the evolution of viruses, and the innovative development of intranasal vaccines. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and the potential for a universal flu vaccine, emphasizing the need for continued public health efforts and the role of dedicated scientists in combating misinformation.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Vlb14O_BeA

(00:00) Intro & Public Health Update

(03:07) What Is A News Item That Caught Your Attention And Why?

(04:20) What Is Bird Flu?

(07:11) How Could Bird Flu Become A Worst Case Scenario?

(10:02) Exiting Research On A Possible Bird Flu Vaccine

(13:38) Technology Behind The New Vaccine Candidate

(17:43) Importance of Adjuvants

(20:48) Where Does The New H5 Vaccine Stand In Development?

(24:21) The Idea Of A Universal Flu Vaccine

(29:25) What Is Giving Hope In Public Health?

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64686-3

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/06/3182263/0/en/BlueWillow-Biologics-Intranasal-Bird-Flu-Vaccine-Shows-Signs-of-Broad-Immune-Response-in-Phase-I-Clinical-Trial-Published-in-Nature-Communications.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-costley-a631a8164/

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/preliminary-human-bird-flu-case-reported-washington-state

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