The Next Flu Pandemic Could Be Worse Than Covid If We Don't Heed History
Scientific AmericanMAR 2
UK Health Official Suggests Bird Flu Has 'Future Pandemic' Potential
Above: Avian influenza-infected birds are culled at a poultry farm in Behara village, Mohali, India, on January 22, 2021. Image copyright: Sant Arora/Contributor/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The current H5N1 strain poses a serious pandemic threat due to its unprecedented spread across multiple species and rapid mutations, with its ability to infect mammals being particularly concerning as it could lead to adaptations that make human-to-human transmission more likely. The mounting concerns of a potential "future pandemic" must be taken seriously.
Narrative B
While H5N1 requires careful monitoring, the risk to public health remains very low as the virus does not spread easily between people, and existing immunity from seasonal flu exposure may provide some protection against severe disease. There's no need to be alarmed about bird flu at this time.