H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu): Where We Stand

Dr. Peter Palese of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York briefs the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus on H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu): Where We Stand. For 40 years, Dr. Palese has researched influenza’s various strains. He and his colleagues recognize that, although the burden of seasonal influenza is significant, the threat of a pandemic like that of 1918, which caused 750,000 deaths in the U.S. alone, is most concerning. Watch Dr. Palese as he discusses how outbreaks of novel influenza virus strains are unpredictable and thus we must prepare to be able to respond to an emergency by: (1) strengthening the surveillance system; (2) improving vaccine design, manufacture and delivery, as well as the regulatory climate for influenza virus vaccines; (3) supporting research on novel antivirals; and (4) having a robust public health service in place.