General Chat

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I woudn't treat this subect lightly. The Avian Flu has been a major cause for concern in our media for over a year . I could never figure out why people on the boards never paid much attention to it. From what I understand, it is a constantly mutating virus. Based on historical patterns, influenza pandemics can be expected to occur, on average, three to four times each century when new virus subtypes emerge and are readily transmitted from person to person. However, the occurrence of influenza pandemics is unpredictable. In the 20th century, the great influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, which caused an estimated 40 to 50 million deaths worldwide, was followed by pandemics in 1957–1958 and 1968–1969. Experts agree that another influenza pandemic is inevitable and possibly imminent. The Canadian Government is in negotiations with the pharmacutical company GlaxoSmithKline to make sure Canadian have 'first dibs' on the Avian vaccine. Deb

well our government is always slow to react. They were warned about this ages ago but they never stopped in importing of birds Dont know if they have done now but a while ago there was a debate on tv and they were refusing to ban the imports. I know birds are natural migrators and not alot can be done about that but surely they could have acted a ban as a cause of prevention.

Hiya Deb Speaking for myself, I have enough to worry about without getting concerned about something else that could strike me down:) There are so many things that could smite me as I go about my daily life and being a smoker, a drinker and someone who crosses roads in a daydream half the time, I'm already asking for trouble;) I'm sure if someone I know gets it, I'll start taking it seriously but at the moment there's not a thing I can do about it (except not kiss chickens) so I'll leave the worrying to the worriers:))

Hasn't our government always closed the door after the horse has bolted. What does make me wonder is how much of the vacine is here waiting adn who will get it first. Though am I right in thinking they have said there isn't a proper vacine that will work available yet or is that something I thought I have read. Germaine x

There isn't a 'proper' vaccine because the H5N1 virus is still only transmitted between birds or between birds and close human contact. If and when the virus mutates to be able to be transmitted from human to human, it will have a different profile - as no-one yet knows what the virus will 'look like', there is no fully effective vaccine. Current vaccines could help but may not stop the spread.

The company who will be manufacturing the vaccine is a Canadian company, hence the negotiations by the government. David - I have to agree with you. I smoke and I drink The Avian Flu is the last thing on my mnd when I get up in the morming. However, I think that is somrehing that should be taken seriously. Cuz xx

Thanks Shelia I thought that a vacine hadn't been found yet. Least I know I wasn't imagining it. Germaine x

I will locate the article that I read about the manufacturing of the vaccine - I never said that one was available at the present time. I'm off to bed now (23.42) so I will continue tomorrow. Deb

dont know about the vaccines but they do have contigancy plans. Which means no large crowd gatherings HORAH no football matches Police will be on guard outside surgeries etc.

For those interested Google WHO Avain Flu. Good night... Deb

Yes I saw something about that too Gloryer. Also they have said the vunerable will get the vacine first. Anyway lets hope the case in Scotland is isolated and it doesn't get to that. Though can understand what you mean about football matches etc. Germaine x