Do you think that there is unnecessary worldwide panic about the possibility of!
Question:
"The H5N1 avian influenza has spread to more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, killing over 100 people, and raising concerns tens of millions of people could sicken and die if it mutates to pass easily from person to person." This is an excerpt from a recent news report. Are we overreacting? Is there a real threat? How does this compare, say to the threat of cancer or heart attacks or car accidents.the list goes on. Is Avian Flu just another health "flavour" of the week or is it a genuine threat? How do we decide what is truly a serious concern to our well being and what steps, if any should we protect ourselves?
Answers:
H5N1 is not currently a threat, but the possibility of becoming a threat is very real. If bird flu were to mutate to a form transmissable from human to human, this could be a potential disaster--similar to the influenza pandemic of 1918 that killed more people than WWI. The 1918 flu traveled around the world and 20-40 million people died. It was so bad, it shortened the average life expectancy by 10 years.
Recent DNA studies have shown that this 1918 flu was a bird flu that mutated to infect humans. It began in people who were in contact with poultry. This is the reason for all the concern about H5N1--there is the potential for it to happen all over again. It hasn't happened yet, but if we don't come up with some kind of vaccine, it may be only a matter of time.
Other Answers:
Oh come on how many times do we hear stuff like this?people need to get on with their lives You ever heard of song Kay sara? What will be will be! I think that applies to all these epidemics. Worrying about it aint gonna clear any of the problem up anyway. Does not bother me in the slightest.
It is not a question of IF the Avian flu will come to North America but WHEN.I believe they have found a vaccine but they are now talking about who will be the ones to get it.Sort of a priority list. Will the average North American be able to access it? I don't know.
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