# A Physician’s Insights on COVID-19 and the New Threat of H5N1

By: [Anonymous Infectious Disease Physician]

## Introduction

As a physician specializing in infectious diseases, it has been some time since I dedicated myself to writing. The demands of work and family life have drained my energy, restricting my engagement in activities beyond direct patient care. Yet, recent events—most notably the appointment of a new health official lacking medical experience and a history of anti-vaccine statements—coupled with the escalating fears surrounding H5N1 avian influenza, have prompted me to express my thoughts.

The COVID-19 pandemic constituted an unprecedented ordeal, impacting me both professionally and personally. It significantly affected my family and ultimately led to the shutdown of my solo ID practice. As I contemplate those challenging years, I am also haunted by the prospect of facing another emerging threat: H5N1.

## The Havoc of COVID-19

### A Visionary Practice, Interrupted

At the beginning of 2020, I had just launched my ideal medical practice. Every aspect was meticulously curated—from selecting an electronic medical records (EMR) system to equipping my clinic with essential medical supplies. I recruited new staff, dedicated to fostering a professional environment focused on patient care.

Then COVID-19 hit. Initially, I remained optimistic that it would be managed effectively. Unfortunately, those hopes quickly diminished as global cases surged. Upon beginning to treat COVID-19 patients directly, nothing could prepare me for the astonishing speed and severity of the disease. This was unprecedented territory for all of us.

One of my initial cases involved a young woman in her twenties who deteriorated with alarming rapidity. A multitude of patients followed throughout the pandemic, suffering from a range of ailments including respiratory failure and post-viral complications, such as strokes and heart attacks. Witnessing young, otherwise healthy individuals succumb was profoundly traumatic.

As the situation evolved over the years, treatments progressed. The scientific community made immense efforts to identify interventions—some ultimately saved lives, while others, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, failed to pass rigorous scrutiny. When the vaccine received approval, it shone as a symbol of hope. I was among the first to receive it and urged my patients—particularly those with elevated risk profiles—to take measures for their protection. Nonetheless, I was disheartened to watch waves of misinformation erode the credibility of healthcare professionals and public health initiatives.

### The Emotional and Professional Consequences

In addition to clinical trauma, personal challenges were unfathomable. My children faced difficulties with remote education, and I was seldom at home, overwhelmed with patient care. Concurrently, my clinic encountered increasing financial pressures. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to keep my practice afloat amid the persistent turmoil of the pandemic. Ultimately, I made the heart-wrenching choice to join a hospital system as an employed physician—a decision that salvaged my family but marked the end of my entrepreneurial aspirations.

## The Next Imminent Crisis: H5N1

What alarms me today is the emergence of early warning signs signaling a potential new pandemic. H5N1, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, is making headlines once again. Recent reports indicate the appearance of human cases in unforeseen locations. Considering the virus’s high fatality rate in previous outbreaks, the prospect of further transmission is deeply concerning.

Unlike initial COVID-19, we possess substantial knowledge about H5N1. We comprehend its structure, transmission pathways, and historical outbreaks. However, what worries me most is our readiness to respond. If misinformation and public skepticism continue to undermine public health institutions, will the public heed warnings? Will prevention strategies be brushed aside, similar to the dismissals of masking and vaccination during COVID-19?

Additionally, the loss of consistent, timely public health communication is troubling. In the early phases of COVID-19, I depended heavily on real-time updates from the CDC and NIH. Those reports shaped my every decision—ensuring I could provide my patients with the latest science-based interventions. Without structured communication and clear direction, we are navigating without a compass. If H5N1 transitions to sustained human-to-human transmission, how can we coordinate our response effectively?

## A Call for Readiness

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant weaknesses in our healthcare system and public policies. As an ID physician involved at the front lines, I urge leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens alike to learn from past errors. We cannot afford apathy, procrastination, or misinformation campaigns if H5N1 emerges as a serious threat.

We need:

1. **Robust Public Health Leadership** – Experts in infectious diseases and epidemiology must be at the forefront of guiding our response. Political biases should not influence life-saving strategies.
2. **Global Surveillance & Reporting** – Clear and transparent communication of outbreak data is