Avian Influenza H5N1: Does Humanity Face a New Pandemic Worse than COVID-19.

According to ТСН: The avian influenza virus, which spreads among birds and mammals, may mutate into a form that can be transmitted between humans. This raises concerns about a new pandemic, and it is quite likely that it will be even more dangerous than COVID-19.

According to available information, antibodies to the H5 strain do not protect humans, and the virus already has cases of infection in mammals, reminiscent of the situation before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expert Opinion

“The avian influenza pandemic will likely be very serious — possibly even worse than the one we experienced.”

Scientists express concern that the virus could adapt to mammalian organisms and begin to transmit from human to human. Cases of H5 virus infections among various mammals have already been recorded, ranging from cats to otters. If mutations continue, there is a high probability of the virus 'transitioning' to humans. The greatest threat is that we have no antibodies to this type of virus, making it extremely dangerous even for young and healthy individuals, and thus the fatality rate during a potential outbreak will be very high.

In particular, it is worth mentioning a case in Washington state, where a resident died after contracting a rare strain of avian influenza H5N5. This variant of the virus had previously only been recorded in animals. According to medical professionals, the patient was an elderly person with chronic illnesses and was hospitalized in early November.

Tests conducted at the University of Washington confirmed the presence of the H5N5 strain in the patient. The agency noted that this is “the first documented infection with this variant of the virus in a person worldwide.”

Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the situation, as the spread of this virus could lead to serious consequences for society. Clearly, it is necessary to strengthen information exchanges and preventive efforts to contain the possible threat. Under such conditions, it is especially important to raise awareness of the risks and adapt healthcare systems to new challenges.