Description
A killer flu outbreak isn’t just a developing-world nightmare. The influenza virus is so adaptable that the West is as vulnerable as anywhere else.
This program outlines the history of influenza and explores current research into what steps, if any, might prevent a future flu pandemic.
Viewers are shown how the virus mutates to resist vaccines and has an uncanny ability to jump species barriers, as well as to rapidly spread between people—making it one of the most stealthy and contagious viruses presently known.
Dr. John Oxford of Queen Mary’s School of Medicine describes influenza as an “underrated” killer and outlines scenarios in which the virus can spread through bird, then human, communities. National Institute of Health expertise is also featured.
This film is part of the multiple KILL OR CURE series of 57 x 25-minute documentaries produced for the BBC. These films can be bought individually or as a series.