Episode 25 - What’s all this fuss about Bird Flu (Influenza A) – with Dr Andrew Pavia

Episode 25 – What’s all this fuss about Bird Flu (Influenza A) – with Dr Andrew Pavia

In this episode of Going anti-Viral, Dr Michael Saag speaks with Dr Andrew Pavia from the University of Utah about influenza A, specifically the H5N1 strain. Dr Pavia describes the progression of H5N1 and its recent impacts on poultry and other animal populations, including an overview of a recent outbreak among dairy cattle and whether there is a risk to humans exposed on farms and the milk supply at large. They discuss how influenza vaccines are determined each year and the timing of when best to recommend vaccination. They describe treatment options for influenza and their effectiveness against H5N1. Finally, they address public health measures taken during influenza outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, offering lessons learned for future influenza outbreaks in humans.