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This Podcast Will Kill You
Ep 110 Influenza, Take 2: Fowl Play
Nov 22, 2022
This podcast episode explores various aspects of influenza, including the history of pandemics, the characteristics and effects of the virus, and the challenges in developing vaccines. It specifically focuses on highly pathogenic avian influenza and its transmission to humans. The hosts discuss the impact of influenza on respiratory health and draw connections to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also touch on the difficulty of eliminating the virus and creating an effective vaccine. The episode concludes with gratitude towards listeners and an introduction to other podcasts.
01:38:14
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Quick takeaways
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza, such as H5N1, poses a significant threat to both bird populations and humans, as these strains can cause severe disease and have the potential for efficient human-to-human transmission.
- The quest for a universal flu vaccine that provides better protection against a wider range of strains, including those with pandemic potential, remains a challenge in preventing future influenza outbreaks and spillover events.
Deep dives
The Evolution and History of Influenza Viruses
Influenza viruses have been around for hundreds of millions of years and infect their natural reservoirs, such as birds and pigs. The evolution of influenza A viruses involves selective sweeps, where advantageous mutations lead to the outcompetition of other strains. The timeline of influenza pandemics stretches back to the 16th century, with notable pandemics occurring in 1580, 1729, 1781, and 1889, among others. The deadliest influenza pandemic was the 1918 flu pandemic, which resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, such as H5N1, poses a significant threat to both bird populations and humans, as these strains can cause severe disease and have the potential for efficient human-to-human transmission.
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