H51 - Bird Flu how worried are you ?

Supercell · 26-10-2005 4:53pm #1

I've just read one post here with someone recommending using Tamiflu for usage with a normal cold/flu with a link of where to buy the stuff online.

I AM concerned about the prevelance of this, have seen people recommend buying the stuff online in at least three forums now.

Presumably this is just a tiny snapshot of whats being posted globally on the web, I really fear that if H51 becomes human-human transmittable that it will also be Tamiflu immune because of the widespread mis/usage of this drug .

It does appear that H51 does strike the usual suspects hardest (weak and infirm young/old) but its the ppl most unlikely to be affected that are buying up this stuff probably..a crazy scary scenario.

Thoughts, comments ?

DrIndy · 26-10-2005 6:14pm

H5N1 variant of bird flu is a problem because this is a new mutation of both antigens which means it is extra virulent. If it did cross species, it would probably wipe out a huge number of vulnerable and elderly people in ireland.

However, although it is a new variant, it has NOT jumped species and the bird flu virus (the rest of the package) is bad at infecting humans. The concern is if the new antigens hops into a human influenza virus where it can wreak untold havoc.

I am not concerned unduly by bird flu - but would sit up quick if I heard it jumped species.

Supercell · 26-10-2005 6:33pm

Yep, me too.
Don't honestly know what i'd do if it hit the EU mainland as a human transmitable disease.

geraghd · 26-10-2005 6:47pm

Well to address your first post, I would certainly be worried about the overuse of Tamiflu but perhaps more worried at how little benefit the drug probably has. My understanding is that generally it is not very effective and in some case may be of little practical benefit..

N8 · 26-10-2005 7:37pm

just read these interesting links.......

Rumsfeld To Profit From Bird Flu Hoax

Bird Flu Epidemic is a Hoax

Flu season wellness plan

DrIndy · 26-10-2005 7:52pm

true - I would not prescribe it anyhow - it is effective if taken before the virus sets in, but nobody knows if its a sniffle or the flu until the disease progresses.

H51 - Bird Flu how worried are you ?

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