In this episode, join The Health Advocates as they dive into the latest health news with a focus on the emerging H5N1 bird flu and its implications. They discuss the virus's potential to affect humans, current states with detected cases, and public health strategies to mitigate its spread. The hosts also touch on recent COVID-19 variants and the development of combined COVID and flu vaccines, reflecting on public health lessons learned from past pandemics and how these insights are shaping responses to new threats.

Tune in as our hosts discuss ongoing infectious disease challenges and the proactive measures in place to protect public health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:45: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discusses the emergence of H5N1 bird flu affecting dairy cattle and notes human infections linked to farms

02:15: Steven reflects on public health responses to infectious diseases and the importance of early containment

03:24: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses a new COVID variant, KP3, highlighting its characteristics and impacts

05:11: Steven and Zoe discuss new vaccine strategies for COVID-19, including an FDA panel's recommendations and the development of a combined COVID and flu vaccine by Moderna

06:21: Zoe highlights the potential public health benefits of a combined COVID and flu vaccine

07:08: Steven mentions a new FDA approval for an RSV vaccine for adults aged 50-59

08:01: Zoe and Steven discuss recent congressional hearings on COVID-19 origins and public health responses, emphasizing the importance of accurate public health information and reflection on past actions

10:19: The hosts discuss the impact of public perception on trust in public health officials and the need for balanced scrutiny

12:07: Zoe reflects on the eroding trust in public health and ways to rebuild it

14:23: Steven stresses the importance of preparing for future health crises based on past experiences

15:45: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.