In recent weeks, the alarm over Avian Flu, also know as Bird Flu has
increased dramatically. It is important to understand the facts about this
disease in order to interpret the news accurately and to avoid panic and
irrational behavior.
Influenza, also known as "the flu" is a general term for the disease
caused by any of a number of viruses. There are three main type of human
influenza, and there are many more types of influenza in birds. All people
are exposed to viruses- we encounter them every day. About 30,000 people
die of influenza virus in the United States annually.
To date, Avian flu has killed about 60 people in Asia over the last two
years. So why the great concern? The fact is the virus is being
transmitted from bird to bird at an alarming rate. Cases have appeared
throughout the world. Millions of birds have been slaughtered in an
attempt to contain the disease. The 60 people who have died from the
disease were people who handled birds. To date, it appears every case was
a case of viral transmission from bird to human. If this continues to be
the case- that is, the virus can only be transmitted from bird to human,
the bird flu problem will be serious, but far from catastrophic. What
worries world health officials is the chance that the virus may mutate and
become a virus which can be transmitted from human to human.
In 1918, there was an outbreak of Spanish Flu which killed 40 million
people. Researchers have determined this virus originated in birds, then
mutated to a form which was transmitted from human to human. The Spanish
Flu had a mortality rate of 2%. The Avian flu has a mortality rate of 50%.
If the virus mutates, continues to be as dangerous, and becomes a from
which can be transmitted from human to human, the consequences could be an
unprecedented global disaster. That's a big IF though.
The virus has been around for several years and has not yet mutated in
this harmful direction. Researchers are racing to develop a vaccine, and
human trials should begin next year. Many countries have begun to
stockpile antiviral drugs to prepare for the worst case.
So, should you be worried? You should be concerned, but it's hardly time
to panic. Some people have purchased Tamiflu or other antiviral drugs and
surgical masks to wear in public in case of an outbreak, but this may be
premature. We recommend you keep abreast of the news and follow the advice
of health officials if an outbreak occurs.
About the author:
David Altfeder is President of OnlinePharmacyZone.com He has written a
series of articles on pharmacy, health and human physiology.
