Is treatment with a combination of licensed influenza antivirals superior to monotherapy for highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus from cattle?

H5N1 'bird-flu' viruses have been a global public health concern since they were first identified in humans in 1997. Over the last 25 years, they have infected wild birds and several mammals. In 2024, an H5N1 virus infection was found for the first time in dairy cattle in the USA and it has spread to about 140 herds in 12 US states with infection of farm cats, poultry and humans, highlighting a public health risk. The goal of our research is to be prepared to treat cases of human H5N1 infection. We will use the two commercially available anti-influenza drugs that attack different parts of the virus to test how well the drugs work by themselves and together, to treat H5N1 infection. We have laboratory models that reflect healthy people and people who have weak immune systems. Our research will help doctors treat patients with H5N1 infections and will help public health officials plan in case the H5N1 virus spreads from cattle in the US to Canada.