H2N2, H5N1, SARS… behind these abbreviations lie some poorly defined biological “things” that we call viruses. For several months one of them, H1N1, still benign, has been spreading rapidly across all continents. By relying on the real facts of the current propagation and evolution of this flu virus, this documentary takes a scientific look at this new strain to fully understand how an entity of 250 nanometres “born” in Mexico and incapable of reproducing by itself, can generate a pandemic!

The new season of "Etat de Santé" will start with a special edition on the H1N1 flu. Are we ready to tackle this pandemic disease ? According experts the virus seems to be very virulent. Almost 40% of French people could be infected. How can we face it ? How to avoid school and companies crippling ? In 1918, France faced the Spanish disease and the last showdown with a pandemic disease was in 1968. Since that time, France improved its public health reaction. Will these improvements be sufficient ? Interlocutor : Antoine Flahault, a well-known specialist on flu and pandemic diseases.