Human Flu Pandemic -

So Folks,

Topic of discussion today in office is. Human Flu Pandemic.

1 in 4 will be affected / infected. That's got to be the start of a really good discussion with you lot.

Things to consider like:-

Who would go first?
Who would you vaccinate in your family?
Would you consider breeding like rabbits to keep the population going - (This could start a whole new thread).

There's loads of air miles in this one kids to discuss.

Or is it a load of scare mongering by authorities?? who knows ?

Discuss away

There's always been a risk of human flu pandemic. The recent Avian flu hasn't increased this risk (because it hasn't jumped the gap & become transferable in humans, it requires close contact with infected birds).

The problem comes from any mutation in flu virii, this could be brought about by avian flu, it might not.

Influenza is always passed by the respiratory system (it's why you cough & sneeze when you have influenza). So on that basis, if there was only one vaccination available for my family (there are 5 of us), it'd be me that got it.

That might sound selfish to some, but it would then be me & me alone that went out to get food etc in case of a crisis (influenza A, mass infection type scenario). Everyone else in the family would be barricaded away from the possibly infected masses. Then I could subject myself to decontamination processes as I was entering the house.

Job jobbed (hopefully).

But still, the risk isn't any greater than it ever was before. Avian flu is just pushing the govt to stockpile vaccinations, which can only really be a good thing.

I am currently growing batches of Influenza A/PR/8/34, and so I have had the vaccine already :P

(It's just hyped up, the chance is slim and we are fairly well prepared anyway if the shift does take place, so don't worry the last time it killed so many it was cos it coicided with WWI)

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by The Mass

Or is it a load of scare mongering by authorities?? who knows ?

I'd go 1 step further, as seems to be the current way of things. Scare mongering and hype by the media.

1 in 4 infected = approx 15 million

estimate is 400,000 dead

so round about 1 in 150 chance of snuffing it

Better odds than commuting round the M25 every day

Originally Posted by Warthog

I am currently growing batches of Influenza A/PR/8/34, and so I have had the vaccine already :P

(It's just hyped up, the chance is slim and we are fairly well prepared anyway if the shift does take place, so don't worry the last time it killed so many it was cos it coicided with WWI)

First dibs on warthogs vaccine!!!!!

I agree though, thre is a lot of hype and many of these things are a "worst case" scenario, IMO.

Carry on as normal folk,

Matt

Originally Posted by Baph

Avian flu is just pushing the govt to stockpile vaccinations, which can only really be a good thing.

Agree good thing, however not really a whole lot of evidence to support the use of flu viruses. The poor predictability of the eventual type of flu along with it not working for everyone in addition to it making many people unwell in its own right.

I reckon, in the event-stay away from hospitals/GP surgeries, there one place you sure to be able to pick it up.