Swine Flu

[kstar]

It does have the potential to be as deadly a pandemic as the 1918 flu.

The hemagglutinin gene of this virus is completely novel, and since that is the antigenic site that the human immune system responds to, there has not been any immunity built to it. This particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments has not been recognized previously among swine or human isolates. It contains gene segments from North American swine, bird and human flue strains as well as one gene segment from Eurasian swine.

Also, is the fact that this virus is causing deaths not among the elderly and young, who are the typical victims of the flu, but causes deaths among the young and healthy by inciting a "cytokine storm."

However, here in America we both can afford and have a stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza, which will probably be effective.

[aephi alum]

[AGDee]

I think it's hyped. They do know that two of the four antivirals available do work against it so those who can afford health care and are generally healthy to begin with have nothing to really worry about. On the other hand, my kids are getting a little freaked out because 4 seniors from the neighboring high school are being tested. One has the flu now so they are testing for swine because they were all in Mexico over spring break (April 10-17).

Working in health care, the system has sent out their protocols to all staff via email including the pandemic protocols. They have stockpiled the needed meds. I think the media is overhyping, but I guess I've decided that if it makes people take more precautions against spreading illnesses, it's ok that they are hyping it too much.It reminds me of the SARS scare from a few years ago.