How serious is this bird flu going to be?

[Testosterone boy]

All depends on if it mutates and develops the ability to go from person to person.

It would probably travel to pigs first...which are closer to humans.

If pigs start catching it from other pigs........start worrying.

 

[Lestat]

Typical media hype?

Or will this flu own all of us?

Discuss.

I was wondering that myself yesterday. Is this really a threat? are millions going to die?

 

[The Red Dragon]

I think the CDC is expecting a pandemic...we've had em before...as long as it doesn't turn out like the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic we should be good in North America

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/pandemics.htm

 

[bdog527]

Well if you watch the media you'd think a pandemic was already happening...

Think for yourself.

 

[bdog527]

FYI the majority of Spanish Flu deaths (early 1900's) were due to resulting pneumonia from the flu. We didn't have antibiotics then.

 

[coldblue1955]

well it seems like doomsday is just around the corner.

 

[The Red Dragon]

The sky has always been falling

I wouldn't classify it as a pandemic just yet, as far as humans are concerned

Good point bdog, although wouldn't the pneumonia be caused by viral pathogens as opposed to bacterial? I'm not too good with respirology.

 

[bdog527]

The sky has always been falling

lol...exactly.


Influenza does not cause pnuemonia directly. It weakens the immune system and alters the mucous blanket which encourages bacterial growth.

 

[75th]

About as overhyped as Abu Ghraib.

In other words, very.

 

[wesley90]

I work in a pharmacy...today I had I think 2 requests for Tamiflu...people are buying 10 boxes a time at $90 a piece.