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Bill Gates' reflections in his year-end report focused on the potential of an influenza epidemic in the world – something that, according to Microsoft's founder, we're not ready to face . Bill Gates states that the past year has been marked by the centennial of the Spanish flu pandemic, a global epidemic that has infected 500 people. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people around the world have killed about 50 million people.
"I was hoping that the 100th anniversary of this epidemic would trigger many discussions about whether we are ready for the next global epidemic," he wrote. "
In his letter, Bill Gates recognized that there were concerns about dangers such as terrorism or climate change, but pointed out that flu is high on the list of people's concerns. kill more people in the short term than terrorism or climate change, he said.
"If something kills tens of millions of people in a short time, it will be a global epidemic. And this disease would most likely be a form of flu because the flu virus spreads easily by air, "he wrote." Today, as contagious and deadly as 1918, would kill [33459008] nearly 33 million people in just six months. "
According to Business Insider, Gates' concerns are justified: 80,000 Americans died of flu last winter, including 180 children. Major epidemic to spread, Bill Gates said: "We need a plan allowing governments to work together."
A universal flu vaccine could help protect people from the 39, but only if they receive it.Despite the lack of progress in the development of a preparedness plan, Gates pointed out that the creation of a vaccine protecting against all strains. flu had made great progress. [196] 59002] However, this would only work if people had never been exposed to the flu in any form.
"Strains of Virus Have Common Structures If a person has never been exposed to the flu, it is possible to have a vaccine that teaches the immune system to look for these structures and to attack them, but if this person has the flu, the body becomes completely obsessed with the tension that it has caused, which makes it very difficult for the immune system to seek these common structures. "[19659002] Gates thinks it's possible to create a "super vaccine", but that would also cause problems. The entrepreneur gives the example of current vaccines, readily available although not mandatory, and indicates that when people avoid being vaccinated, they increase the risk of developing and spreading the disease.
If a person with a weakened, mutated or underdeveloped influenza immune system, the disease can become fatal . According to Healthline the groups most vulnerable to influenza include children, adults over 65, pregnant women, people with serious health problems and patients in chemotherapy.
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