Laurie Garrett: Lessons from the 1918 flu

The video discusses the global threat of pandemics, focusing on the H5N1 virus. It highlights the challenges of government preparedness, the potential impact of a pandemic, and the lessons learned from past outbreaks like the 1918 flu. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community-level readiness and the limitations of current strategies, such as stockpiling vaccines and Tamiflu. The session concludes with a Q&A addressing audience concerns.

What are the main concerns of the national security community regarding pandemics?

How has globalization affected the spread of infectious diseases?

What was the impact of Hurricane Katrina on pandemic preparedness?

Describe the characteristics of the H5N1 virus and its transmission.

What are the potential consequences of shutting down airports during a pandemic?

How does the H5N1 virus differ from typical influenza viruses?

What challenges do governments face in responding to a pandemic?

What role do local leaders play in pandemic preparedness and response?

What lessons can be learned from the 1918 flu pandemic regarding current preparedness?

Discuss the importance of community preparedness over individual stockpiling during a pandemic.