The Next Viral Pandemic?

The Sars-CoV-2 pandemic came 'out of the blue'. When it 'hit', it caused many human deaths; widespread illness and disturbed (and continues to disturb?) many aspects of normal life, across the globe. Although some experts believe this virus still poses a threat, folk seem to be becoming blase about it. Perhaps, they should start worrying about the next viral pandemic? Almost 200 senior disease experts responded to a survey on their predictions for 'disease X' (the next human pandemic). More than half, think it's going to be a strain of the influenza ('flu) virus (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/20/next-pandemic-likely-to-be-caused-by-flu-virus-scientists-warn). Seasonal 'flu virus is constantly evolving and mutating. This is why the vaccine to protect from infection is changed each year. Medics been able, in recent times, to contain it. This may not, however, always be the case. The H5N1 strain of avian 'flu appeared in 2020, whilst Covid19 was raging. It has killed millions of poultry, as well as decimating wild bird populations. Recently, H5N1 has spread to mammalian species. If the virus became well-established in humans, it would be more difficult to contain than covid19. Infected birds, as well as humans, could pass the virus to even the most isolated populations. Perhaps a bit of early planning is needed, rather than simply 'rolling the dice'?