WHO: Influenza, an Unpredictable Threat

Several influenza pandemics affected the world population over the course of the 20th and early 21st centuries and the threat of the next pandemic looms large. This film explains a number of key aspects of the constant evolutions of influenza viruses and associated impact on public health.
See timestamps below to access directly specific chapters in the documentary.
Because of the nature of the virus and its threat, the World Health Organization carries out global surveillance of this disease throughout the year, calling on thousands of scientists worldwide. Their exchange of scientific information and virus materials helps to determine which viruses will most probably represent the major threat during the next influenza season, and thus allows twice a year to decide about the composition of the next vaccines. Vaccination is the most effective intervention to reduce the mortality and morbidity of influenza, seasonal influenza epidemics and unpredictable next pandemic. To be prepared for the risk of a pandemic, which can hit anytime, concerted efforts from all public health professionals remain crucial to match the dimensions of such a global public health threat.

Timestamps to documentary chapters:
00:00 Intro on the history of influenza viruses and the risk of pandemic.
02:23 Occurrence and general prevention of seasonal influenza.
03:40 Human transmission of the viruses and health consequences.
05:47 Types and subtypes of influenza viruses.
07:07 Transmission of type A viruses in animal reservoirs, then to human and risk of pandemic.
09:42 Management of influenza vaccines, especially for vulnerable groups.
10:27 Scientific monitoring of influenza viruses coordinated by WHO.
12:10 Conclusion on scientific surveillance and immunization for better preparedness in case of pandemic.

For more information:
http://www.who.int/topics/influenza/en/
http://www.who.int/influenza/gisrs_la...
http://www.who.int/influenza/en/