From Geoff Harding, Sydney, Australia
You report that H5N1 bird flu may be adapting to become more infectious to humans. Considering the high death rate in people infected so far and the projections that even minor mutations could cause a virulent pandemic, mass production of an H5N1 vaccine and the inoculation of most of the population should be considered (7 December 2024, p 11).
Unfortunately, only wealthier countries could probably consider this pre-emptive strategy, but the best option for future pandemics may be to take some preventative action to avoid economically destructive lockdowns and save as many people as possible.
