Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Large, plausible and imminent - time to take H5N1 seriously

Jun 14, 2024

Virology expert Wendy Barclay and epidemiologist Christopher Dye discuss the rising threat of H5N1 bird flu. They stress the importance of pandemic preparedness and scientific efforts. Also, GP Helen Salisbury delves into a manifesto for a sustainable NHS. The World Doctor's Orchestra provides a musical interlude.

31:39

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Episode guests

Wendy Barclay

Christopher Dye

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Quick takeaways

H5N1 mutation poses a significant pandemic risk with increased human interface.

NHS faces trust issues and needs comprehensive strategies to improve patient care and system resilience.

Deep dives

Growing Threat from Bird Flu

The risk of a potential H5N1 outbreak is highlighted due to recent infections in mammalian species like dairy cattle in the US. Wendy Barkley and Christopher Dye emphasize that the virus's interface with humans has increased as it mutates for potential human transmission, raising concerns about a pandemic risk in the near future.

Intro

2min

Challenges and Importance of Addressing the H5N1 Threat

14min

Challenges and Solutions in the NHS

7min

Discussing public health strategies and the impact of regulation on tobacco, alcohol, diet, and gambling

2min

Addressing Child Health and Poverty Inequalities

2min

Focusing on Planetary Health and Sustainable Practices

6min

As increasing numbers of mammalian, and human, cases of H5N1 are documented we askShould we worry about a growing threat from “bird flu”? Wendy Barclay, from Imperial college London, and Christopher Dye, from Oxford University join us to explain why they think we should.

Our commission on the future of the NHS has released a manifesto for a sustainable NHS that still meets it's founding principles. Helen Salisbury, GP and BMJ columnist, joins the podcast to lay it out.

Finally, a musical interlude from the World Doctor's Orchestra.

00:18 H5N1 Bird Flu: Rising Threat 15:35 The manifesto for a better NHS 27:46 World Doctors' Orchestra Reading list; BMJ Editorial - Should we worry about a growing threat from “bird flu”? BMJ Opinion - A manifesto for a healthier NHS, a healthier UK
https://www.world-doctors-orchestra.org Stay up to date with our daily email alert - https://www.bmj.com/today

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Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Large, plausible and imminent - time to take H5N1 seriously

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Growing Threat from Bird Flu

Challenges Facing the NHS

Addressing Public Health Challenges

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts