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JAGeorgia · 03-19-2006, 16:15

All;

Ok, lets settle down a bit. Although some of the extrapolation may not be impossible it does not reflect what is going on in the "real world" right now.

Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Seasonal flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same.
Before Avian Flu could be a candidate as a cause for Pandemic Flu it would have to mutate to H2H transmission, be virulent, AND cause a global outbreak.
These last three occurring at the same time makes it very unlikely, but not impossible.

DHHS Secretary Michael Leavitt recommended storing canned tuna and powdered milk under your bed as an example of items that would be useful in case you decide to employ "social distancing" to avoid contact with infected persons in case of Pandemic Flu. These are not the only items worth storing. You might wish to practice "social distancing" for a month or so by not having to go to the grocery store. I think I'll add some canned veggies and soup. You can think of more ways to avoid infected people IF there is a pandemic! If there is no pandemic you're still prepared for other disasters.

The 1918 Pandemic Flu occurred before the age of antimicrobials. Being severely ill makes one more susceptible to complications like pneumonia. Although I am unlikely to stockpile Tamiflu, I sure intend on knowing where I can get some IF there is Pandemic Flu. Last time I had the Seasonal Flu I took it and felt great after two days (though I took the full course).

It is tempting, maybe even fun, to draw similarities between Pandemic Flu, Avian Flu, Seasonal Flu, West Nile, SARS, and the like, but the truth is that they are each distinct. They have different causes, different modes of transmission, and to some degree different treatment and prevention. Lets not go off the deep end. A Zebra looks somewhat like a horse with stripes. That doesn't make one.

To keep up with what's happening, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ and choose "Avian Flu" or "Pandemic Flu". There's a reason there are two different links there.

Be Well.

03-19-2006, 16:15	#12
JAGeorgia Asset Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 40	All; Ok, lets settle down a bit. Although some of the extrapolation may not be impossible it does not reflect what is going on in the "real world" right now. Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu. Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available. Seasonal flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same. Before Avian Flu could be a candidate as a cause for Pandemic Flu it would have to mutate to H2H transmission, be virulent, AND cause a global outbreak. These last three occurring at the same time makes it very unlikely, but not impossible. DHHS Secretary Michael Leavitt recommended storing canned tuna and powdered milk under your bed as an example of items that would be useful in case you decide to employ "social distancing" to avoid contact with infected persons in case of Pandemic Flu. These are not the only items worth storing. You might wish to practice "social distancing" for a month or so by not having to go to the grocery store. I think I'll add some canned veggies and soup. You can think of more ways to avoid infected people IF there is a pandemic! If there is no pandemic you're still prepared for other disasters. The 1918 Pandemic Flu occurred before the age of antimicrobials. Being severely ill makes one more susceptible to complications like pneumonia. Although I am unlikely to stockpile Tamiflu, I sure intend on knowing where I can get some IF there is Pandemic Flu. Last time I had the Seasonal Flu I took it and felt great after two days (though I took the full course). It is tempting, maybe even fun, to draw similarities between Pandemic Flu, Avian Flu, Seasonal Flu, West Nile, SARS, and the like, but the truth is that they are each distinct. They have different causes, different modes of transmission, and to some degree different treatment and prevention. Lets not go off the deep end. A Zebra looks somewhat like a horse with stripes. That doesn't make one. To keep up with what's happening, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ and choose "Avian Flu" or "Pandemic Flu". There's a reason there are two different links there. Be Well.
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