Reasons for Optimism
Good news first! This is a good starting point for getting a realistic understanding of the risks.
>> Reasons for Optimism
Influenza Basics
Learn about the history, characteristics and terminology of influenza.
>> Influenza Basics
H5N1 Panzootic
Why are so many animals getting infected? What is happening, what has changed, and why does it matter to humans?
>> H5N1 Panzootic
Case Fatality Rate (CFR)
In the event of a H5N1 pandemic a CFR of about 50% would become highly controversial in the public discussion. How low do scientists think would the actual number be? And what may influence the case fatality rate?
>> Case Fatality Rate (CFR)
Mutations
Genetic changes determine how close we are to a pandemic, but can also cause resistances to antiviral drugs. Learn which mutations are important, how we know that, and which mutations have already occured.
>> Mutations
Medical Countermeasures
In addition to the existing drugs and vaccines, there are ambitious solutions in development. How much is stockpiled and how long would it take to respond to a pandemic?
>> Medical Countermeasures
Agreements
The response to influenza involves cooperation and contracts on many levels. This includes government funding, licensing agreements, research cooperations, preorders of vaccines and agreements about stand-by production capabilities.
>> Agreements
Concerning Developments
While a bird flu pandemic may never happen, the risk of a pandemic is increasing, at least for now.
>> Concerning Developments