In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the summertime activity of COVID-19 and the latest updates with avian influenza (H5N1).

Their discussion includes:

• The recent rise in COVID cases and how the new FLiRT variants of the virus are affecting the immune system.
• Updates on avian influenza activity and the risk for more mutations and human infections.
• How the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to the avian flu outbreaks and how laboratories are preparing to support testing needs.
• Reminders of how to best protect yourself and your loved ones from infectious diseases this summer.