S2E8: The future depends on planetary health

This summer, chikungunya has been making headlines — with more than 7,000 cases reported in China’s Guangdong province and tens of thousands more across the Indian Ocean islands. Even parts of Europe, including France and Italy, have seen local transmission. But what exactly is chikungunya? How does it spread, what symptoms does it cause, and could it become a risk in cooler countries like the UK?Host Karl Byrne is joined by Dr Doris Kemunto Nyamwaya from The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit to unpack what we know about chikungunya, why public health experts are watching it so closely, and whether vaccines might change the picture.Click here to find out more about LSHTM's courses, including the MSc Epidemiology mentioned in the episode

Ever had a sudden, gut-wrenching bout of vomiting and diarrhoea? You’re not alone—norovirus, the infamous ‘winter vomiting bug,’ has been wreaking havoc across the UK. But why are cases so high this year? And how can you protect yourself?In this special episode, Karl speaks to LSHTM expert Dr Damien Tully to break down the science behind norovirus, how it spreads, and why cruise ships are often the perfect storm for outbreaks. We also discuss the latest infection figures, the strain on the NHS, and practical ways to avoid infection.Ranked 4th globally for infectious diseases in 2024, LSHTM provides a renowned learning environment with research-led teaching. For more information about LSHTM's programmes in infectious diseases and how to apply, please visit:  https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/infectious-and-tropical-diseases-programmes

In this bonus episode of LSHTM Viral, we explore human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus recently making headlines due to an outbreak in China and rising cases in the UK. But is this something we should be worried about? Host Karl Byrne is joined by Professor Martin Hibberd, an expert in emerging infectious diseases at LSHTM, to break down what HMPV is, how it compares to other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV, and why it’s unlikely to cause a pandemic. They discuss how to protect yourself from seasonal respiratory infections and what global health experts are watching for in future outbreaks. To find out more about Outbreak Analytics short course and others, visit our website. Bluesky: @LSHTMInstagram: @LSHTMFacebook: @LSHTMLinkedIn: @LSHTM

How do countries get access to COVID-19 vaccines in the first place? In this episode, Prof Daniel Bausch of LSHTM shares his thoughts on the global vaccine purchasing and distribution systems. An expert in the control of emerging viruses, Dan also discusses with host Naomi Stewart what the focus on COVID-19 means for other vaccination programmes and trials, how the pandemic may end, and how prepared we will be for future epidemics and pandemics. If you would like to get in contact with the team, or if you have a question you would like to ask our experts, you can email us: [email protected].

Who are the experts and groups around the world approving and regulating the new COVID-19 vaccines? And what do they need to consider amidst the urgency of vaccinating the world? In this episode ahead of World Immunization Week, Naomi Stewart speaks to Prof Annelies Wilder-Smith from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Prof Smith sits on WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and walks us through the decisions involved in approving different vaccines - and how it could happen so quickly. If you would like to get in contact with the team, or if you have a question you would like to ask our experts, you can email us: [email protected]

How did vaccines come to be and how have they changed over time? In today's episode, Naomi Stewart speaks to historian Dr Gareth Millward from the University of Warwick, on the history of vaccines and how vaccination programmes have evolved in the 20th century. Professor Liam Smeeth from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine then walks us through the vaccine landscape at the turn of the 21st century, and public perceptions and attitudes towards vaccination in a COVID-19 world.

Welcome back to a new season of LSHTM Viral, where we will be taking a deep-dive into vaccines and speak to experts working real-time on COVID-19. LSHTM modeller Roz Eggo reacts to the UK’s roadmap announcement on 22 February for easing lockdown restrictions, explaining the science behind the government's decision and how vaccination will forge a way out of the pandemic. John Edmunds, a UK government science advisor and professor of infectious disease at LSHTM discussed how new, potentially dangerous variants of the virus can emerge and key considerations for vaccination at this scale.

Launching February 23rd 2021 Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of modern civilization, but how vaccines work, How do you create a vaccine? And perhaps most importantly, how do you produce enough to vaccinate the entire world? Join Karl Byrne, Amy Thomas and Naomi Stewart every fortnight as they explore the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and take a deep dive into vaccines and vaccinations.  They will be talking about the latest pandemic news, answering your vaccine questions and speaking to experts from LSHTM and beyond, as they explore the past, present and future of vaccines. Find out more on our LSHTM podcast website.

How exactly did planetary health come to be, and where is it headed? In this season finale, we speak to two pioneers of the field - Prof Andy Haines of LSHTM and Richard Horton, editor of the Lancet. They discuss the urgency of embedding planetary health into the policy agenda, the benefits of increased public engagement with science during COVID-19, and how to address the inequalities that could hamper our efforts.

Welcome to a special episode of LSHTM Viral! The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with mass national roll out following as early as the next couple of weeks. Karl is joined in this episode by Dr Pauline Paterson, Dr Sadie Bell, and Prof Liam Smeeth of LSHTM, as they take a look at the factors that affect people's confidence and hesitance around vaccines, how the recent news might affect peoples perceptions of vaccines, and discuss some of the logistical and communication challenges that the UK faces in vaccinating the population. If you would like to get in touch with your questions and comments, we'd love to hear from you!  You can email us: [email protected]