While COVID-19 was an unfortunate experience, it has highlighted the necessity to prepare for the next pandemic, says Dr Pardis Sabeti, an expert in infectious diseases.
Bird flu (H5N1) is high on the list of the next potential pandemic and poses a great threat to humanity due to the number of birds worldwide carrying the virus.
The virus has also jumped species from birds to humans, and the mortality rate is quite high at 60%, although deaths in the US have been mild.
To prevent a pandemic, H5N1 vaccines should be made available to vulnerable populations and contact tracing in humans and cattle.
Smartwatches may also help to flatten the curve of the next pandemic.
