In recent weeks, the alarm over Avian Flu, also know as

Bird Flu has increased dramatically. It is important to

understand the facts about this disease in order to

interpret the news accurately and to avoid panic and

irrational behavior.

Influenza, also known as “the flu” is a general term for

the disease caused by any of a number of viruses. There are

three main type of human influenza, and there are many more

types of influenza in birds. All people are exposed to

viruses- we encounter them every day. About 30,000 people

die of influenza virus in the United States annually.

To date, Avian flu has killed about 60 people in Asia over

the last two years. So why the great concern? The fact is

the virus is being transmitted from bird to bird at an

alarming rate. Cases have appeared throughout the world.

Millions of birds have been slaughtered in an attempt to

contain the disease. The 60 people who have died from the

disease were people who handled birds. To date, it appears

every case was a case of viral transmission from bird to

human. If this continues to be the case- that is, the virus

can only be transmitted from bird to human, the bird flu

problem will be serious, but far from catastrophic. What

worries world health officials is the chance that the virus

may mutate and become a virus which can be transmitted from

human to human.

In 1918, there was an outbreak of Spanish Flu which killed

40 million people. Researchers have determined this virus

originated in birds, then mutated to a form which was

transmitted from human to human. The Spanish Flu had a

mortality rate of 2%. The Avian flu has a mortality rate of

50%. If the virus mutates, continues to be as dangerous,

and becomes a from which can be transmitted from human to

human, the consequences could be an unprecedented global

disaster. That’s a big IF though.

The virus has been around for several years and has not yet

mutated in this harmful direction. Researchers are racing

to develop a vaccine, and human trials should begin next

year. Many countries have begun to stockpile antiviral

drugs to prepare for the worst case.

So, should you be worried? You should be concerned, but

it’s hardly time to panic. Some people have purchased

Tamiflu or other antiviral drugs and surgical masks to wear

in public in case of an outbreak, but this may be

premature. We recommend you keep abreast of the news and

follow the advice of health officials if an outbreak occurs.