Avian, or bird, flu threatens to develop into a global pandemic
that will sweep the world - according to some experts. Others
claim that there's comparatively little risk, and that an
epidemic, if it does happen, will probably not occur before next
winter at the earliest, and may not be as widespread or as
severe as was first thought.
If, like many others, you're confused and anxious about bird
flu, here are some basic facts you need to know.
1) There are several forms of bird flu, all potentially fatal to
birds, but only one of which is dangerous to humans.
2) At the moment, bird flu's spread almost exclusively by
contact with infected birds. At present it can't normally be
passed from one human to another. (The only exceptions known are
isolated cases where people have been nursing family members in
extremely close proximity.)
3) For the virus to mutate into a form which CAN be transferred
between humans, it needs to be caught by someone who's already
infected with a normal human type of flu - and, according to the
World Health Organization, the resulting blending of the flu
strains needs to be repeated seven times. That's quite possible,
of course, but it can be made less likely by careful management
of cases of ordinary flu.
4) If the virus does mutate (they often do), there are many
other ways it can develop which don't necessarily involve
human-to-human contagion. It could even mutate in a way which
makes it relatively harmless, or even one which makes it
impossible for humans to catch.
5) Governments worldwide are taking steps to cull infected birds
and inoculate the healthy ones, and looking at other ways to
contain and overcome the problem, such as a temporary ban on
imports of live birds from areas which have so far been affected
by bird flu.
6) Scientists worldwide are working flat-out to identify and
mass-produce a vaccine, and to develop ways of minimising and
treating the infection. Many governments are arranging to buy
and stockpile massive quantities of the vaccine as soon as it
becomes available.
7) Flu epidemics happen every winter, and all of them cause
deaths.
8) All flu viruses are potentially lethal, but almost all are
survived by far more people every year than die of them.
9) The much-quoted 1918 outbreak caused so many deaths partly
because the countries it affected were exhausted and underfed
after 4 years of the most devastating war mankind had ever
known, and many people simply didn't have the strength to fight
infection. That flu strain also came from birds, but many flu
strains do, including several which have proved much milder.
10) The avian flu virus is a particularly severe one, and
medical science has yet to develop a totally effective antidote
-- but it is survivable, and at present relatively hard to
catch. The real danger will come if it becomes able to spread
easily between humans. So far, there have been far more deaths
from SARS than bird flu.
You can keep up-to-date with any changes in the situation by
checking with your doctor or the World Health Organization...
but in the meantime, be positive. One of the biggest boosts that
you can give your immune system comes from a healthy lifestyle,
a vigorous, energetic attitude and a keen determination to meet
the challenge, and surmount it. That clear intention can help
you mobilise all the resources of your mind and body to prevent,
or if need be to recover from, infection. Go for it!
About the author:
Aislinn O'Connor is a motivational writer and personal
development consultant. You can check out her books, audio
self-development tools and much more self-help information at
">http://www.access-your-peak-performance-zone.com">http://www.
Access-Your-Peak-Performance-Zone.com.
