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Fork U with Dr. Terry SimpsonLearn more about what you put in your mouth. Author: Terry Simpson
Fork U(niversity) Not everything you put in your mouth is good for you. Theres a lot of medical information thrown around out there. How are you to know what information you can trust, and whats just plain old quackery? You cant rely on your own google fu. You cant count on quality medical advice from Facebook. You need a doctor in your corner. On each episode of Your Doctors Orders, Dr. Terry Simpson will cut through the clutter and noise that always seems to follow the latest medical news. He has the unique perspective of a surgeon who has spent years doing molecular virology research and as a skeptic with academic credentials. Hell help you develop the critical thinking skills so you can recognize evidence-based medicine, busting myths along the way. The most common medical myths are often disguised as seemingly harmless food as medicine. By offering their own brand of medicine via foods, These hucksters are trying to practice medicine without a license. And though theyll claim nutrition is not taught in medical schools, it turns out thats a myth too. In fact, theres an entire medical subspecialty called Culinary Medicine, and Dr. Simpson is certified as a Culinary Medicine Specialist. Where today's nutritional advice is the realm of hucksters, Dr. Simpson is taking it back to the realm of science. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Bird Flu: Risks, Realities, Readiness
Episode 63
Tuesday, 7 January, 2025
Bird Flu: What You Need to Know About Risks, Realities, and ReadinessBird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has far-reaching effects on public health, the food supply, and even the global economy. While human-to-human transmission hasn’t occurred, its potential to mutate poses significant concerns. Understanding how bird flu impacts us today — and how science is working to mitigate its risks — is essential.In this blog post, we’ll explore the realities of bird flu, its effects on food prices, the role of vaccines, and practical tips to stay safe. Let’s break it down into manageable pieces so you’re fully informed.What Is Bird Flu, and Why Should You Care?Bird flu primarily affects birds, especially poultry, like chickens and turkeys. However, certain strains, such as H5N1, have occasionally infected humans. While these cases are rare, they carry a high mortality rate of over 50%, making the virus particularly dangerous if contracted.Why Human-to-Human Transmission MattersHere’s the good news: Bird flu isn’t currently spreading from person to person. The bad news? Experts worry about a process called reassortment, where bird flu and human flu viruses could mix in someone infected with both. This could result in a highly contagious and deadly strain capable of causing a pandemic.Despite some conspiracy theories, no laboratory is working on gain-of-function research to make bird flu more transmissible. These myths are counterproductive, distracting from real medical efforts to monitor and control the virus.Rising Prices: How Bird Flu Impacts Your WalletIf you’ve noticed higher prices at the grocery store, bird flu is partly to blame. The virus has disrupted the poultry industry and the broader food supply chain.Egg Prices SoarWhen bird flu outbreaks occur, millions of chickens are culled to prevent the virus from spreading. This reduction in supply causes egg prices to skyrocket, leaving many of us paying more for our morning omelets.Dairy Costs ClimbBird flu also affects dairy products. The demand for poultry feed drives up costs for dairy farmers, who often rely on the same feed. Additionally, in rare cases, parts of the bird flu virus have been detected in raw milk. This is yet another reason to avoid raw, unpasteurized milk and stick to pasteurized dairy products for safety.The Role of Vaccines: Science in ActionVaccines are at the heart of our response to bird flu, but they serve different purposes for birds and humans.Vaccines for PoultryScientists are developing vaccines for poultry to control the virus in bird populations. These vaccines could:Reduce the need for mass culling.Lower the economic impact on the poultry industry.Decrease the risk of the virus spilling over into humans or other animals.While these efforts are promising, it will take time before poultry vaccines are widely implemented.Vaccines for HumansFor humans, H5N1 vaccines are available for at-risk workers like poultry farmers and wildlife handlers. However:These vaccines are strain-specific and may not protect against a mutated strain.They are not available to the general public.In the event of a pandemic, new vaccines would need to be developed, which takes time.Seasonal Flu Vaccines:...
