Next Flu Endemic is Inevitable

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said another flu pandemic is inevitable and the world must prepare for potential devastation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said another flu pandemic is inevitable and the world must prepare for potential devastation. WHO warns that the risks must not be underestimated. Launching on Monday its Global Influenza Strategy for //2019-2030, the world body said the next influenza pandemic "is a matter of when, not if".

WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it would be the biggest public health threat and potentially threaten millions of lives worldwide because of the rapid spread of viruses. "The threat is ever-present," he cautioned. Outlining the global strategy the WHO official said surveillance systems must be strengthened and better tools for prevention and containment of influenza virus should be developed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.

‘An estimated 1 billion people are infected with flu every year, leading to between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths, according to a WHO health report. ’

Chief of Influenza Preparedness and Response at WHO, Ann Moen said improved vaccines that have longer lasting immunity were needed, as well as antivirals and better treatment for the disease.

The last flu pandemic across the globe was caused by the H1N1 virus that spread around the world in 2009 and 2010. Studies found that at least one in five people worldwide were infected in 2009, and the death rate was 0.02 per cent.

Source-IANS

Quiz on Flu
Influenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a possible infection.

New Potential Strategy may Treat Influenza A
Novel orally active small molecule discovered may help treat influenza A group 1 virus, finds a new study.

Novel Bat Influenza Viruses Could Present a Threat to Humans
Bats don't only carry the fatal Ebola virus, but also is a reservoir for a new type of influenza virus which could possibly attack the cells of humans and livestock.