How to Prepare for Avian "Bird" Flu!
Could there be a pandemic? Find out how you can be prepared! Will there be a bird flu pandemic? The answer is that nobody knows. But here are a few relevant facts:
- So far, very few avian flu viruses have "crossed the species barrier" and infected humans.
- BUT .. of those that have, the H5N1 strain has caused the largest number of severe cases detected.
- In the current outbreaks in Asia and Europe, around half of those infected have died ...
- ... and most reported cases have been children and young adults.
- So far, the H5N1 virus has hardly spead from person to person ...
- ... BUT all flu viruses can "mutate".
- AND ... scientists are worried that one day it might be able to pass quite easily from one person to another.
- This could lead to a pandemic ...
- And nobody can tell when that might happen!
"Specific mutations and evolution in influenza viruses cannot be predicted, making it difficult if not impossible to know if or when a virus such as H5N1 might acquire the properties needed to spread easily and sustainably among humans."World Health Organization 20 February 2006
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