Doctors warn about the chance of a new pandemic due to the flu virus

Doctors warn about the chance of a new pandemic due to the flu virus | Online Tribune

Martina Zanotti says that distancing the population from vaccination rooms could favor the circulation of new viruses

| Photo: Leone Iglesias/AT

The advancement of strains of bird flu, which circulated only in birds and spread among livestock in the United States, brought a warning: is there a chance of a new pandemic?

An opinion survey conducted among 187 experts from 57 countries showed that, according to them, the agent most likely to cause a new health crisis is this version of the influenza virus.

The results of the questionnaire were published in the scientific journal Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. Infectious disease specialist Rubia Miossi clarifies that the research is the opinion of experts and not a scientific investigation.

Illustrative image of the image Doctors warn about the chance of a new pandemic due to the flu virus

The expert explains that the biggest threat in terms of disease is zoonoses, that is, infectious diseases transmitted between animals and people.

“We know that viruses common in animals can pass to humans, in some way, through the mutations and evolutions they undergo. If the population is not immunized, a pandemic may occur. We don’t want to alarm society. We just say that diseases with the potential to decimate the human population are diseases that occur in animals.”

As winter approaches, cases of respiratory diseases tend to increase intensely, including the flu, reminds infectious disease specialist Martina Zanotti.

The expert argues that there is no reason for an irrational fear regarding a new pandemic, but, at the same time, distancing the population from vaccination rooms could favor the circulation of new viruses.

“The flu is very commonplace, but when there is a serious case of the disease, hospitalizations and even complications such as pneumonia, which can lead to death, can occur. Today, influenza vaccination coverage is very low, which is not a good combination with winter approaching.”

The study revealed that influenza, disease

The flu virus was the most mentioned in the ranking: 57% of scientists believe that there is a pandemic potential in the new strain. Another 17% of experts place it in second place, according to the survey.

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An opinion survey conducted among 187 experts from 57 countries showed that, according to them, the pathogen most likely to cause a new health crisis is a new version of the influenza virus.

The research is the opinion of experts and not necessarily a scientific investigation.

Experts point out that there is no reason for an irrational fear of a new pandemic, but, to avoid more serious complications from the flu, it is important to seek vaccination, especially priority populations for campaigns.

Source: Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease and experts interviewed.

Only 32% of the target audience took the vaccine in the State

With just over a month to go before the end of the National Influenza Vaccination Campaign, which will continue until May 31st, only 32.40% of the target population took the vaccine in Espírito Santo.

The data was confirmed by the Undersecretary of State for Health Surveillance, Orlei Cardoso. According to Orlei, the vaccination coverage target is 90%, that is, it is almost 60% below ideal, he warns.

The elderly, pregnant women, children under five years of age and people with chronic illnesses are among the priority audiences for vaccination against the influenza virus.

“Last year, we got 56.5%. For 2024, we hope to improve influenza vaccination coverage, but we are still faced with an environment full of fake news regarding vaccination. We are committed to raising awareness and combating misinformation”, reveals the Undersecretary of State for Health Surveillance.

Infectious disease specialist Rubia Miossi reveals that, in her day-to-day hospital life, she monitors patients with severe flu, who die due to lack of up-to-date vaccination.

“The lack of vaccination is still one of the most important data when thinking about the risk of a person dying from the flu or Covid today. It is a situation that was not supposed to happen because there are two vaccines that are free, especially for at-risk populations.”

The doctor reinforces that, to avoid further health complications, vaccination is essential for the population.