The hottest Pandemic Preparedness Substack posts right now

H5N1 bird flu started in birds but can spread to other animals and possibly humans. There are concerns about it becoming a bigger threat as it mutates.
Currently, experts estimate a 5% chance of H5N1 causing a human pandemic in the next year, but it could rise to 50% over the next 20 years.
If H5N1 does become a pandemic, most forecasts suggest it won't be as deadly as the Spanish flu, with risks ranging from normal flu severity to several times worse.

Current flu vaccines only work about 40% of the time and need to be updated every year. Scientists are trying to create a 'universal' flu vaccine that could offer better protection for a longer time.
Viruses like the flu change quickly, which makes it hard for existing vaccines to keep up. Researchers are working on new methods to make vaccines that can recognize and fight many different strains of the virus.
More than 200 new flu vaccine ideas are being tested, including ones that use nanoparticles or are delivered through the nose. The hope is to come up with a vaccine that can last several years and protect against various flu types.

Wealthy organizations influence public policies through infrastructure like a global vaccine regime.
There is a shadow government controlling elected governments and public health bodies.
The vaccine regime is structured around wealthy investors and foundations using public money.

H5N1, or bird flu, is still spreading among animals and has now caused its first human death in the U.S. It's a serious virus, but the general public's risk remains low for now.
Experts are worried about H5N1 because it could mutate and become more dangerous, especially if it spreads among animals that are close to humans. Keeping tabs on this virus is important.
Right now, there's not much for the average person to do except stay informed. Avoid sick animals and unpasteurized milk to stay safe, and let health officials manage the outbreak.

Bird flu is becoming a bigger concern as new cases and mutations suggest it might spread more easily among humans. This raises questions about a potential pandemic.
There have been warnings for nearly three years about H5N1, indicating it may be getting closer to affecting people significantly.
Governments have not adequately prepared for pandemics in the past, which increases the risk for future outbreaks like bird flu.

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The WHO pandemic treaty is important for better international cooperation during pandemics. Countries need to work together to be better prepared and respond to future health crises.
There is a lot of misinformation about the treaty, particularly claims about losing control to WHO. In reality, the treaty aims to respect each country's sovereignty while improving global health collaboration.
Strong leadership and understanding are necessary to combat disinformation. Governments must focus on making effective agreements for global health, ensuring everyone is better protected next time a pandemic strikes.

Covid levels are currently low in the UK, but new variants are expected to emerge soon. We need to stay alert as these variants could cause more infections.
There's growing concern about bird flu as it spreads among animals and may jump to humans. Health experts worry this could lead to the next pandemic.
It's important to prepare for future outbreaks by improving vaccines, treatments, and surveillance systems based on lessons learned from Covid.

Historically, the acceptance of medication started with voluntary use, then shifted to recommendations, and eventually became mandatory for safety.
The current trend suggests a future where medication may be mandated by law, conditioning people to comply without question.
Global emergencies are being used to justify stockpiling medication and giving organizations like the WHO significant control over policies and responses.

Global life expectancy dropped two years in a row, a significant event in history
Excess deaths remained high in 2022 and 2023, indicating ongoing pandemic impacts
Authorities have scaled back data collection and response to infectious diseases, raising concerns for future pandemics

The history of the COVID-19 pandemic traces back to controversial research on potentially pandemic pathogens conducted by influential scientists before the pandemic began.
A group called Scientists For Science, formed by key researchers, lobbied for the continuation of risky research on enhancing potentially pandemic pathogens, prioritizing academic pursuits and funding over clear benefits or safety precautions.
The public may not be aware of the ongoing conflicts of interest, power struggles, and lobbying efforts within the scientific community regarding high-risk research, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical guidelines in handling dangerous pathogens.