NIAID Media Availability: NIH Scientists Explore 1510 Influenza Pandemic and Lessons Learned

NIAID Scientists Explore 1510 Flu Pandemic and Lessons Learned

History’s first recognized influenza pandemic originated in Asia and spread to other continents 500 years ago, in the summer of 1510. A new commentary by NIAID researchers explores the 1510 pandemic and what we have learned since then about preventing, controlling and treating influenza.

Prior to that time, regional and local epidemics of respiratory infectious diseases and pneumonia had occurred, but no outbreaks had yet been recorded on a worldwide scale. The 1510 pandemic first arose in Asia, but it spread quickly to Africa and Europe via trade routes. Although the disease—which was then referred to by as “gasping oppression”—was highly infectious, the death rate was low, and the pandemic ended quickly.

While the emergence of new pandemic flu viruses is still unpredictable, a host of scientific and public health advances have taken place since 1510—from the study of microbiology to the development of vaccines and treatment—that improve our ability to plan and prepare. For example, scientists are currently researching the possibility of a universal influenza vaccine, which would aim to protect individuals from all strains of flu.

For more information, see the NIAID Media Availability at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2010/Pages/1510Flu.aspx.

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NIAID Media Availability: NIH Scientists Explore 1510 Influenza Pandemic and Lessons Learned

Chicago Journals - Clinical Infectious Diseases:
Chicago Journals - Clinical Infectious Diseases