Bird Flu Outbreak: Prepare Now to Prevent the Next Pandemic

Stop the Spread: Crucial Steps to Take

Immediate Actions for Public Health

The recent order of 48 million additional doses of the seasonal flu vaccine signals a heightened concern among health officials about the potential for a bird flu pandemic. While this vaccine cannot prevent bird flu directly, it plays a critical role in mitigating the risk of co-infection with both seasonal flu and avian influenza.

Preventing co-infection is crucial because it reduces the chances of a virus mutating into a new strain that could spread more easily among humans. Co-infection can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to severe illness.

Health officials emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against seasonal flu, using antiviral medicines, and implementing strict sanitation measures to prevent the spread of both influenza and bird flu.