Recent bird flu infections in Mexico and India have raised concerns about the potential for a pandemic. We spoke to Dr. Shahid Jameel, a leading virologist, to understand the threat posed by bird flu viruses to humans. He explains the transmission pathways, the role of the immune system, and the potential for adaptation of the virus to mammals. Dr. Jameel also discusses the availability of vaccines and the possibility of long-term effects.
AstraZeneca is facing a class action lawsuit in the UK over claims that its Covishield vaccine caused deaths and severe injuries in several cases. Victims in as many as 51 cases in the UK High Court are seeking damages up to 100 million pounds. AstraZeneca has contested the claims, but admitted in court documents that Covishield can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which leads to blood clots and low blood platelet count.
