Listen to experts detail how pandemic influenza viruses are created, why populations are affected differently, and how vaccinations affect the spread of the virus.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, Pandemic Influenza: Science, Economics, and Foreign Policy, which was cosponsored with Science Magazine.

Listen to experts analyze the economic effects of pandemic influenza including on the labor force and trade.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, Pandemic Influenza: Science, Economics, and Foreign Policy, which was cosponsored with Science Magazine.

David Fedson, an international expert in flu vaccine policy, says the current distribution system could leave many developing countries without access to vaccines during a flu pandemic. Fedson suggests more attention be given to alternative drug therapies.

Laurie Garrett and Kammerle Schneider discuss the use of antibiotics in feed animals, and its contribution to the rise of antibiotic resistant pathogens.

CFR's Laurie Garrett says a number of factors delayed the World Health Organization from declaring swine flu a global pandemic, including internal politics and concerns about flaws in the alert system.

Laurie A. Garrett argues that in handling pandemics, "governments should only set up action and threat assessment systems that are flexible, and useful."

It is not often clear when the spread of a disease, such as cholera, becomes a pandemic.

Stephen E. Flynn and Irwin Redlener argue that the United States would fail a pandemic preparedness stress test.

An e-newsletter from CFR's Global Health Program providing an update on the outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

Swine flu has already shaken markets. While the scope of the current outbreak remains unknown, experts say a severe pandemic could drive productivity losses, dampen trade, and lower product demand at a time of preexisting economic frailty.

Listen to Michael T. Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, discuss the threat of swine flu becoming a pandemic and the steps that governments should take to minimize the effects.

David J. Rothkopf relates how modern media technology has amplified the spread of "infodemics" surrounding public health scares and how best to curb it.

A Council on Foreign Relations media conference call about the current state of the swine flu outbreak.

Stephen Flynn, a leading homeland security expert, says while the initial U.S. response to the swine flu outbreak has gone reasonably well, the country remains ill prepared for a severe epidemic.

Listen to CFR expert Laurie Garrett discuss the threat of a global swine flu pandemic and possible policy responses.

David Dobbs examines why the swine flu seems to be more deadly in Mexico.

Up-to-date guidelines from the Center for Disease Control on the proper response to the latest outbreak of swine influenza.

CFR's Laurie Garrett provides historical context to the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico.