Based on what we covered in lecture, your text, and after reading through the resources in BB on Influenza (In the Lectures section) post your comments on at least two of the following questions regarding Avian flu H5N1:
1. What is the source of this flu?
2.What is the relationship betwAeen birds, pig, humans and the flu?
3. How might an outbreak today compare with the1918 outbreak?
4. What would some of the consequences be of a pandemic today?
5. What is being done in light of the possibility of a pandemic?Current situation with Avian flu outbreak
Reflect on the following:1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
2. What is the relationship between birds, pig, humans and the flu?
ReplyDelete- A human, pig and bird play a similar role with regards to the relationship they each share with the flu virus. The flu attacks and adapts to each of the previously mentioned mammals, making them the hosts whose cells are exploited by the virus. This is achieved by another similarity, it being that the flu uses similar receptors for each of these mammals when attempting to invade them. The process of invasion and exploitation is the same in humans, pigs and birds.
3. How might an outbreak today compare with the1918 outbreak?
- An outbreak today may be compared to the outbreak in 1918 in various manners. In some ways, the advancement of time and discoveries the world has made since 1918 may make an outbreak today seem as less of an obstacle. For instance, one of the most significant discoveries that we have now is the knowledge that the flu is caused by a virus. Unfortunately, in 1918 scientists were attempting to create a vaccine for the influenza virus with the mentality that it was a bacterial infection. During this time the idea of a virus or the ability to view one for that matter was completely farfetched. Advancement is the ability to combat influenza before it reaches a stage of pneumonia in a person; which was not the case in 1918. According to a video, “when people died in 1918 of influenza it was because of what it did to the lungs.” Although we have so many advantages over the 1918 period, one of the greatest obstacles we face today which was not much of a concern back in the day, is the variety of strains in existence. In 1918, creating a vaccine for the flu may have been easier because the virus may have not experienced so many genetic recombinations. However, now that is a main concern because there are many different “versions” of the virus and creating a vaccine is a hit or miss situation.
Reflect on the following: 1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
I personally believe the possibility of an influenza pandemic is a great possibility. I feel this because, as previously mentioned, the flu virus is beginning to exist in so many forms. Creating a vaccine for it is a gamble, making preparation for combat against it difficult and risky. In addition, if a new flu strain became present in our society, it would be easily spread because of the amount of human interaction there are nowadays and the ignorance towards hygienic responsibility. This quick spreading would make it difficult to halt the virus, considering creating a vaccine is a long process of trial and error that is not always promising.
In my opinion, finding a balance between individual rights and public welfare during a pandemic will not be a difficult task. I feel as individual rights would go hand in hand with public welfare. I think most people would be trying so hard to take care of themselves that there would not be too much of a burden on the shoulders of those responsible for public welfare to interfere. If anything, the public welfare would be a significant concern if a pandemic occurred and a vaccine and precautions were necessary.
3. How might an outbreak today compare with the 1918 outbreak?
ReplyDeleteThere are many factors to consider when confronted with this question. Obviously, medical and scientific advancements (like viral vaccines, speedy diagnostic technologies, stronger medications/treatments, sanitary facilities, etc.) all serve to minimize the extent of a flu outbreak similar to the one from 1918. However, one must also take into account the human species' exponential growth since 1918, and how we've become more crowded, which serve to minimize the amount of travel the flu virus needs to reach and infect another host.
Should an outbreak occur today, it would not be as deadly and widespread as the 1918 outbreak. The technologies we possess will undoubtedly serve to protect the vast majority of the population before the outbreak reaches its full potential.
4. What would some of the consequences be of a pandemic today?
Should a pandemic occur today, the results would be beyond catastrophic. The economies of world would decline and then halt. The sick won't be able to work and the world's population of able-bodied individuals would dramatically decrease. Our global economy would be the catalyst for such a pandemic, so it is entirely possible to quarantine whole countries or continents should a pandemic be caught early enough to contain in a few countries.
Do you think there will be a major flu outbreak in the coming few years?
While there will be scares and isolated pockets of outbreak, I think the chances of an outbreak similar to the size and scale of the 1918 outbreak is slim. We are advanced and knowledgeable enough to rid ourselves of most ailments that affect us. That is not to say we shouldn't prepare. Our society should enforce and encourage vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of (relatively) ancient pathogens. We should invest in the health of the population. We should do everything we can to prevent such a calamity to occur again.
How do we balance individual rights and public welfare?
This is not a hard thing to do. Once the 'individuals' see their neighbors succumb to the outbreak, they will be open to all offerings of protection. We can only be so pro-individual for so long until our individuality will lead to our demise.
1.What is the source of this flu?
ReplyDeleteH5N1 refers to Hemaglutin type 5 and Neuraminidase type 1. The source of Avian Flu is found in birds. Birds incubate and house the virus and it is transmitted to humans through direct contact of saliva, or feces. There have been outbreaks among populations who interact with birds. This strain of Flu can easily become pandemic due to the global migrations patterns of birds.
2.What is the relationship between birds, pig, humans and the flu?
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The interaction and relationship between the Flu and birds, pigs and humans is very specific. The pig acts as an incubator from which it can be infected from birds or humans. It is very rare for humans to be infected with Swine Flu via pigs. It is possible for humans and birds to infect pigs. This can cause the exchange of genes and create variations or different strains of the Flu.
In learning about the flu, I am impressed on how much science is able to predict and prevent outbreaks of the Flu. I still think that it is possible for there to be a major pandemic in the future. Virus strains are consistently changing and it is difficult to control. I am confidence that scientists and researchers will be able to treat symptoms and use history to evolve their knowledge of viruses. In regard to individual rights, there is a fine line whether people should be able to choose to receive the Flu vaccines. It proposes a threat to public health if there are people not receiving vaccines which in return makes them more susceptible to catching the a flu virus. I think that if the is a world-wide campaign where people are educated on the importance of vaccines and the history of disease, that perhaps this could prompt people to willingly be vaccinated. Unfortunately, there will be those individuals who refuse, and hopefully this would not lead to an outbreak.
1.) What is the source of this flu?
ReplyDeleteThe source of H5N1 is birds. It is transported from birds to pigs because pigs act as an incubator for the virus. The virus then recombines genes and produce new adapted viruses with new characteristics. The virus can be passed around by direct contact with the bird only.
2.) What is the relationship between birds, pigs, humans, and the flu?
The relationship between birds, pigs, humans, and the flu comes from farm life in Asia. Farmers in Asia don’t have the resources to keep birds away from infectious pathogens because they live in rural areas of the country. Those birds then infect the pigs with the virus and since the virus loves to recombine genes and produce a new adapted virus, it then seeps into humans from the pigs.
Reflect:
1.) I think there is going to be a major flu pandemic. Since orthomyxovirus have RNA as their genetic material, it reproduces at a greater rate than that of a DNA. So when this happens their RNA is evolving at much higher rates with more errors, which is great for the virus to mutate new strains to re-infect a great population faster. After many years of antigenic drifting and shifting, the HA and NA will develop a new influenza strain much harder to fight off. Another reason is that influenza A can infect other mammals other than humans, and when this virus finds its way into direct human to human infection it can cause a global epidemic.
2.) I think when we do have an outbreak everyone should be educated on how this virus can cause serious damage worldwide. Education is very powerful and the issue of individuals vs. the public wouldn’t be an issue. Once you learn about this deadly and dangerous virus, you would know that as an individual it’s your responsibility to go get vaccinated for the public’s safety.
1. the source of this flu are birds.
ReplyDelete2. this flucarried by birds, the birds can't infect humans, but they can infect pigs. as in h1n1 the pig can then infect humans. so there is the possibility of transmitting the flu to humans.
3. With all the advancements in healthcare and the easily available resources and treatments, i don't belive it can compare atleast in the US, some countries in the world might get an impact like in 1918
4.a concequence of a pandemic will be lives lost and the funds it will take to treat people. i belive that if people are well educated about the flu and do all the proper steps to prevent and treat the flu then we will be ok. hopefully this won't cause a huge fludding of the ER's
5.reserchers are all trying to come up with a vaccine for it to help prevent or minimize this flu. another effort is to prevent the spread in birds. Although it is not transmitted to humans there is still a worry.
1. i don't belive we will have a huge pandemic. as long as the media doesn't make a huge stink about it like in the h1n1.
2. everybody deserves healthcare wether they have insurance or not we treat everyone. but the problem is if we do have a pandemic is the amount of people that will requier medicine and the cost it might be.
1.What is the source of this flu? The source of the flu is bird. H5N1 is hemagglutinin 5 and neuraminidase 1. Infected birds can shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. A bird or a human being can be infected by having contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.
ReplyDelete3. How might an outbreak today compare with then 1918 outbreak? In my own point of view, an outbreak today would be much more devastated than the outbreak during 1918. First, we now have much better technology than the one we have during 1918, but technology alone is not enough to find the real source or how this virus evolved. Second, we have way more population nowadays, then 1918. It is so much easier for the virus to get in contact from one person to another, since society today is much more populated and open. For example, New York, everyone are almost touching skin to skin. Lastly, I believe that during 1918, the virus is not much more evolved and don't have many forms like now.
1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?
I think there is a possibility of a major flu pandemic in the next few years. Although we are now advance in our technology and medicine, it is still not hard to imagine that this viruses can also evolved. Like what happen in the Pandemic of 1918, everyone thought they are untouchable and that they can do everything, but a small influenza that infect one person can evolved and eventually lead to killing millions of people. Also, even with the advancement of technology, it is hard to make a new vaccine, especially if the virus can change its form overtime.
2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
I believe we can balance individual rights and public welfare. When people are informed/prepared about the virus, on what they should do and how they can manage to be healthy and not get it, I think there won't be a conflict between individual rights and public welfare, since its the individual responsibility of his/her own health and the public welfare job to informed and teach each individual.
1. The source of the H5N1 flue is birds.
ReplyDelete2. The relationship between birds, pigs, humans, and the flu is one that has many parts. Humans are unable to receive the flu from a bird but they are able to get it from a pig. The way this happens is that a bird will give the flu to a pig which then acts as an incubator for the flu to grow in. The pig will then get rid of the flu in some type of means and then a human will have a greater chance of getting the flu than just from a bird.
1. I do not think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years since scientists are usually on top of what types of flus may show up in society.
2. I think the way to balance individual right and public welfare is by educating the public about the flu virus. The best way for people to do what is best for them is to know all the facts before they make a decision.
1. The source of N5H1 is birds. It is found in birds and it can send the virus through saliva, nasal secretion, and feces. And it can only be contracted with direct contact with the bird itself.
ReplyDelete.3. How might an outbreak today compare with the1918 outbreak?
An outbreak today compared to an outbreak in 1918 would be very different I would think. I would think that because we have a lot more medical advancements today and we have a lot more knowledge in the ways of the flu and what it is about. I think that if we did have an outbreak we would not be as deadly since more people are educated with what they need to do if they have the flu and not to be around as many people. Also there is more news on the flu and today more people can go to the Dr. to see what they can do. Also the scientist today would be able to find a vaccine to help if there was an outbreak or make one before an outbreak occurred. But there are more people today so if we did have an outbreak we would have to make sure everyone knew what to do and make sure everyone had the right information.
1.Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
1. Yes, I think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years just because we have no had one and it usually occurs every 10 years or so but i think that the scientist are so on top of what flu is coming around they will be able to catch it before it happens and think it will be under controlled.
2. I think we do but educating everyone about the flu virus not just the people with medical care. Everyone knows about the flu and when they know about it most people know what to do. And people need to take care of themselves and know exactly what will happen before they do it.
2.) What is the relationship between birds,pigs,human,and the flu?
ReplyDeletePigs get infected by birds,birds infect humans, but a human cannot transmit to another human.
4)what would some of the consequences be of a pandemic today?
Some of the consequences of a pandemic would be millions of death, millions of ill, and a depression
-No I do not think their will be a pandemic in the next few years but I do think their will be one in ten yours or so. I think it has to do with the environment around us. Usually begins in third world countries and as long as people continue to travel it can be spread any where.
-Unless the welfare of people is at risk our lives are balanced by individual rights. However, it public welfare was at stake we would all be equally in danger and in need of survival so individual rights would not be considered.
1. The H5N1 flu comes from birds.
ReplyDelete2. The relationship between the birds, pigs and humans is that pigs can be affected by flu strains from both the birds and humans. As of right now the H5N1 flu can not be spread from human to human but if a pig were to be infected with the H5N1 strain from a bird and than affected with a different strain from a human which is human to human transferrable then the DNA of the two viruses may be exchanged with the result being a flu virus as deadly as the H5N1 strain but with the ability to be passed from one human to another.
1. The possibility of a huge outbreak is likely but hopefully our current technology is advanced enough to come up with a cure or vaccine that would prevent it from being as horrible as the one in 1918.
2. For the sake of public welfare I believe that certain individual rights must be pushed aside so that society as whole would be protected against a gigantic pandemic.
1. The source of the flu comes from birds. The infection is detrimental to domestic birds like chicken, turkey and ducks and can make them sick and even die. The infection is spread through birds saliva, nasal secretions and feces. When people contract this strain of flu its because they have handled the infected bird.
ReplyDelete2. The relationship between the birds, pig and human flu is that they can be passed from one to another. a pig incubates the human flu and doesn't get sick but can pass it to a human. The birds flu is given to pigs and humans and the can make pigs and human ill. As the human and pigs infect each other new stains form due to an antigenic shift. when this happens people don't have immune protection and catch the new strain and could potentially be able to be passed from one person to another person and a pandemic can occur.
1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?
I think with all the resources we have and advances i think a flu pandemic could happen but we would have a handle on it. the medical industry is constantly updating and researching the latest strains so if something new were to pop up there would be much control on the situation.
2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
the information gets out there and it's up to the people to take action to get the vaccine. a choice is given and when there are people that must get the vaccine are priority i think this is the way public welfare is done.
Melissa Gregory
ReplyDelete1. What is the source of this flu?
Avian flu or “bird flu” is a disease that normally only infects birds and sometimes pigs. It has however crossed over to infect humans by direct contact with feces.
4. What would some of the consequences be of a pandemic today?
A pandemic today would overwhelm our already crowded hospitals. It would also cause medicine and supply shortages, as we are not properly prepared for one. We would see problems in vital workforces such as law enforcement, transportation, and communications.
1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?
I don’t foresee a flu pandemic in the next few years. As we have learned, the common annual flu kills more people than a flu like the Avian flu. The Avian flu has only caused illness in around 100 people so far. This is a comparatively small number affecting more birds than any other animal, including humans. It would require a mutation that allowed it to be transmitted from human to human before it became a huge problem. Scientists are also working on a vaccine for this and hopefully it will work.
2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
I believe this country does a great job at balancing human rights and public welfare. We do this by requiring children to become vaccinated to attend public school. We offer free and/or affordable flu shots to the public. There is also a lot of advertising telling the public about the benefits of vaccines and flu shots.
1. What is the source of this flu?
ReplyDeleteBirds is the source of this flu. It can infect humans by direct contact with feces.
4. What would some of the consequences be of a pandemic today?
A pandemic today could possible cause a depression and it would increase death rates.
1. Do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years? I do not see a flu pandemic occurring in the next few years because of the way that medicine continues to grow, along with our vaccines. Also our technology is continuing to grow. With all these things there is a less likely chance of an outbreak.
2. How do we balance individual rights versus public welfare?
I think if we started seeing more and more H5N1 outbreaks then individual rights should be pushed aside so that a pandemic can help be prevented.
1.The H5N1 flu strain is a common strain of the flu found in different types of birds, and is thought to come from Asia or East Asia. The infection usually begins in the intestines of a bird, and is very contagious to other bird populations. Contact with secretion or an excretion of another infected bird allows transmission of the disease and it has been found in domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Transmission of the H5N1 among domesticated birds is particularly concerning because transmission to humans is possible by contact of secretions and excretions. Although there isn’t conclusive evidence that the H5N1 flu can be transmitted from human to human there have been several different strains of the virus found showing it is mutating and changing form. We hope there is not a strain that can be transmitted between human hosts because of the alarming mortality rate among birds (90-100%) according the the CDC in November of last year.
ReplyDelete3. An outbreak of the H5N1 flu today in comparison to the 1918 flu epidemic would most likely not have as great of an impact due to advances in medicine and medical treatment, as well as advances in the understanding of the spread of disease among human beings. Although in 1918 scientists and doctors understood that disease was cause by microorganisms, the mechanism to which they interact with our immune system was not fully understood. This made treatment of the disease much more difficult and lead to many more deaths than we would see in comparison to an outbreak such as the H5N1 flu today. Hygiene over the past 90 years has changed greatly as well as the treatment of water and waste. This would contribute to combating the spread of the disease which was not as great of a factor in 1918. We know today that some viruses like the flu can be transmitted through the air, if an outbreak were to occur that were very virulent we would protect ourselves from being exposed to such a vector. Our ability to care for sick people has also improved dramatically since 1918 and this would help reduce the mortality rate among humans greatly. Although a virulent strain of the flu could cause a great deal of harm, the spread of the virus would not have as great of an impact as it did in 1918.