Bird Flu..what do you think?

[laurie31]

there has been talk of some sort of pandemic, due to the viruses developing resistance to antibiotics (due to the overuse of such) for a few years now. these things have occurred throughout history, & unfortunately, will continue to do so. I do agree, that the media has latched onto this one & is really going to town with it!

Viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Only bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics is creating drug-resistant "super-bugs" but that's a whole different can of worms, so to speak

A viral pandemic is likely if the virus mutates into a new form against which we have no immunity. Who's to say when or if a mutation will occur and if it will produce a new deadly virus or not. You are correct that the media is having a field day with the prospect.

There are many simple things we can do to really cut our risk.
Scrupulous & frequent handwashing, even wearing face/mouth masks, eyeglasses & gloves. Driving, if possible, rather than flying; skip shaking hands or drinking from the communion cup--now, those things may seem extreme, but are do-able & may give us a modicum of control

Handwashing absolutely. The other things, probably not necesssary unless an actual epidemic occurrs, but if it makes you feel better, go for it. Just don't stop washing you hands just because you have a mask and gloves.

Hopefully, this country will get on the stick as far as vaccine development, manufacture & distribution--

Jean

They can't make a vaccine against a virus that doesn't yet exist. That's why there's no vaccine or treatment. They are trying now to figure out how a vaccine could be quickly developed and mass-produced if a new viral threat emerged. That's easier said that done, however. Making your plans and going on with your life is an excellent plan!

Laurie

 

[jonestavern]

Viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Only bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics is creating drug-resistant "super-bugs" but that's a whole different can of worms, so to speak

Yep, please excuse the lack of correct terminology!

Handwashing absolutely. The other things, probably not necesssary unless an actual epidemic occurrs, but if it makes you feel better, go for it. Just don't stop washing you hands just because you have a mask and gloves.

Handwashing-done correctly-is always a good practice during any flu season, simple but so useful--such an easy precaution, yet so ignored.
My neice lived in Korea & said it is commonplace to see folks wearing mouth masks & gloves when in crowded situations during any flu epidemic. she got used to doing that, also. Especially when traveling to China during the SARS situation

They can't make a vaccine against a virus that doesn't yet exist. That's why there's no vaccine or treatment. They are trying now to figure out how a vaccine could be quickly developed and mass-produced if a new viral threat emerged. That's easier said that done, however. Making your plans and going on with your life is an excellent plan!

I was thinking also of the average flu vaccines which are always a 'shot in the dark' --okay, sorry about the pun!--It's a highly educated 'guess', but there is always a chance the researchers, doctors & others could misjudge, there are so many factors involved. I do think that we need more vaccine manufacturers & researchers based here in the USA

Laurie

thanks Laurie!

Jean

 

[disney1990]

I was just at my Dr. yesterday for the flu shot and we started talking about the avian flu. He told me that when I start laying eggs then I should worry about it. I had to laugh. He told me live my life and don't look for trouble. I like that theory.

I like your doctor. Not that I know if it's true or not, but one report I read online the other day said that it could take up to 10 years for the virus to mutate so that it can be spread from person to person. Boy, I certainly hope THAT report is right.

I totally believe in taking care of yourself also. During the winter, we take a combination of zinc, C, and echinacea. Anything we can do to boost our immune systems and better fight off illnesses. Over the course of the past 4 years, I have only been sick one day. I haven't even had a cold.

 

[grinningghost]

I really think the media is getting bored with the war in Iraq, so they've switched gears and are running with this bird flu thing. Don't let it get you crazy.

Hakuna Matata.

 

[crazymomof4]

I totally believe in taking care of yourself also. During the winter, we take a combination of zinc, C, and echinacea. Anything we can do to boost our immune systems and better fight off illnesses.

I agree. Looking into Alternative Medicine, one will find that there are many things that boost your immune system and some that have very powerful anti-viral and antibiotic effects. I recently rid myself of a tooth abcess using only herbs and colloidal silver. (the tooth still needs to be treated but the infection is gone)
I plan on stocking up on the most effective natural anti-virals available. If bird-flu doesn't come this year, I can always use them to fight off the family's colds this winter.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

All the speculation is based on the Spanish flu pandemic. Yes it killed millions but it was rapidly spread through the WWI soldiers living in extreame physical and mental conditions. In 1918 we also didn't know what we do now about viruses and treatments.

While one doesn't need to worry about catching the H5N1 virus at WDW in the next week -- neither should one dismiss the possibility of just such a pandemic. The comparison to the Spanish Flu of 1918 is a legitimate one -- as it has now been discovered that the Spanish Flu was an avian flu strain.

The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 struck the entire world in a time when we travelled by rail and ship. Imagine just such a pandemic in the age of jet travel in which we live today. We only need to look at the SARS outbreak of 2003 to see that 1 exposure lead to infections in 5 countries on 2 continents within 1 day.

The media is not making up the concerns about a possible avian flu pandemic on a slow news day -- it is a legitimate concern of the World Health Organization. This is not a matter of IF, it is being treated as a matter of WHEN.