http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20110919/spanish-flu-outbreak-study-110919/
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?
Also, do you think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years?
The source of H5N1 is wild birds to waterfowl to domesticated birds (chickens, turkey, ducks). In birds it creates an infection in the intestines. Then the virus is spread to other birds through saliva, nasal secretions and feces. (So is that both categories: direct contact and airborne?)
ReplyDeleteBirds can pass the virus onto other birds.
Domesticated birds can pass it onto pigs because they live in very close proximity to each other.
Pigs can pass viruses onto humans.
Humans can pass viruses onto other humans (airborne).
Sometimes birds can pass viruses onto humans. (Rare, but it can happen.)
Do I think that there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years? It certainly is possible. On average, there are 3 pandemics per century. We had one in 2009. (Influenza Pandemic, Wikipedia). Things that could increase chances: virus mutation, world travel, poor basic hygiene. Things that could reduce chances: increase basic hygiene especially on transport vehicles, vaccines, and, of course, knowledge is power.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe source of Avian flu H5N1 comes from when a new strain of the influenza virus is transmitted to humans from another animal species. This includes wild birds that mainly have only a mild form of the H5N1 strain, once domesticated birds such as chickens or turkeys are infected, it could become much more deadly because the birds are often within close contact of one another. Influenza A infects the sick birds intestines and they release the virus in their feces and saliva for as long as 10 days (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/avian-influenza/overview.html). Then the virus's intermediate host is the pig then soon after transferred to humans.
ReplyDeleteCenters for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that if a pig were infected with a human influenza A virus and an avian influenza A virus at the same time, the new replicating viruses could mix existing genetic information (reassortment) and produce a new virus that had most of the genes from the human virus, but a hemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase from the avian virus. The resulting new virus might then be able to infect humans and spread from person to person
As an airborne virus, swine flu can infect a person who breathes in moisture droplets from the air that carry the virus. Highly contagious, swine flu can easily be transmitted to people who are in close proximity to an infected person. It is thought that for a person to catch airborne swine flu directly from an infected person, they would need to be within a few feet of them. Swine flu can also be transmitted through a person touching a surface with the flu virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth.
In 1918 about 50 million people world wide were killed (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/influenza-epidemic/) but there was not technological advances in medicines and vaccinations to eliminate the virus, however; there is today, so if there was an outbreak in the 21st century there will be many sick, but there will not be that high of a number of individuals who will die. The medical advancements we have today may be able to combat it depending on how strong the virus becomes. I also believe that there will certainly be a flu pandemic in the next few years considering we just had an outbreak in 2009 and as well as in 1918, so it appears almost every century or so the Influenza virus is recurring. To decrease the severe outbreaks people are developing vaccinations, good sanitary habits, avoid touching face eyes etc., it is also essential to wash hands daily, and for the sick they should stay at come until they are better to avoid infecting others.
The 1918 outbreak was severe and catastrophic to the entire world. An outbreak in present time would be the same but it would be entirely different in the pace in which it would spread and the length it could travel. We are one airplane ride and a few hours away from what could be a pandemic. Even though we have the technology to essentially find a vaccine for that particular strain, the infectious rate would be so fast and broad, it would be hard to say if we had actually done any better than we had nearly a hundred years ago.
ReplyDeleteConsequences would be of course global. The monetary markets alone would be severely impacted. Once children are home, parents wouldn't be at work, then they are sick etc. The first responders as well at all levels of allied health would probably be pushed to the limit.
There is stricter enforcement in general to prevent pandemics. Reaction times and well as recognition times are faster, it seems most Countries tend to be proactive rather than reactive. We collectively have put into place several "systems" that we can enact to combat these outbreaks. Looking at how to block the virus receptor sites compared to vaccination seems to be an amazing new point of view. We cant stop naturally occurring virus that love to mutate but we can maybe block them from entering our bodies in general.
The main source of H5N1 is from birds and although we can be directly infected with this virus, once one is infected one cannot transmit it to another human and may ultimately result in death. In class we discussed how pigs act as incubators for these viruses and is also a really good host for them. The pigs are transmitted with the flu virus from three common sources: birds, other pigs, and humans. A new virus will emerge from the infected pig and will then transmit it back to those common sources. Therefore if H5*N1 is transmitted from a pig with an added component (*) that is when H5*N1 is able to be transmitted from human to human. If we had an outbreak similar to the 1918 flu outbreak, we would be far more prepared. At the time, no viruses were reported and it was uncertain as to what was going on at the time. These days we have shots to prevent such outbreaks and that is why it is important to get vaccinated. Although seasonal vaccinations are not proven to prevent H5N1, it is important that those who work closely with birds that may be infected maintain good hand washing techniques and sanitary protocols. If this is not being maintained and a pandemic recurs, consequences of this can be sent globally as seen in the movie "Contagion", kids are being sent home from school due to closures and cause close relatives to take time off work, etc. Everyone would affected. It is possibly that another pandemic can occur again in our life time. We had a minor case in 2009/2010 and it is possible that it certain that it will most likely happen again.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/avian-flu-humans.htm
Amanda E.
Micro M/W
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteR.Davis
ReplyDeleteT/Th
The relationship between the birds and the pig is that the pig is able to get the virus from the birds and from there, the pig is like an “incubator” and the pig is able to mutate the virus a little bit and allow the virus to be passed on to humans. As of now, is it rare for a human to contract the virus from birds directly. There have only been a few cases that report direct bird to human transfer, but the pig is the most dominant way for humans to get the Avian flu that originates in birds. I think that because our knowledge has grown so significantly from what we knew in 1918, an outbreak would be less fatal to so many people. I think that we would be able to contain it at a faster rate then would have been possible in 1918. Another difference is that in 1918 people were not able to isolate viruses or even understand viruses like we can today. I would hope that there would not be an outbreak any time in the near future. However, I think that an outbreak could be possible. If the virus mutates and finds a way to go from bird to human and then from human to human, there could be a pandemic. I do not think that if could happen in the next two years or so, however, I do think it is possible.
R.Davis
T/Th Burke
The Avian flu H5N1 is spread through birds, whether they are wild birds or domestic birds. It can spread from birds to humans but has not yet morphed into a virus that can be spread from human to human. In class we talked about how pigs act as little incubators for the virus and how scientists are worried that the Avian flu while in the pig will some how morph so it can be spread human to human and that would then cause a pandemic. In 1918 virology was not yet a field and thus in turn very little was known about viruses and how they spread and what can be done to treat someone who is infected with one. The lack of knowledge was probably one of the biggest factors in the severity of the 1918 outbreak and I think that because today we have a better knowledge of viruses if an outbreak were to happen the severity of it would be less. There would still most likely be a fairly high death rate but deaths would be seen mainly in those with a compromised immune system such as the very young, very old, and people with grave health issues. The devastation of the 1918 outbreak lead scientist to monitor flu patterns and prepare for the re-occurrence of such an event. It has been realized that viruses can transition and change their proteins so they have receptors that bind to different cells. One of the main things noticed by scientists studying the 1918 flu was that in spring cases of the flu the virus had a different receptor compared to the fall cases of the flu. If there were to be a pandemic today I am sure the media would blow it out of proportion and create a mass hysteria. As I stated before because of the 1918 pandemic scientists now monitor flu patterns and try to create vaccines in advance incase there is a huge outbreak. I think the main thing people should do to prepare for a pandemic is to make sure that they have knowledge on the subject. If news reports start to surface about a severe flu outbreak do not panic, instead find as much reliable information about the type of flu as you can. How is the virus spread? Is it water and food borne or is it air borne? These are questions that you should ask yourself and find answers to so that you can prepare better. See where outbreaks are at and try not to do a lot of traveling. Wash your hands more then just twice a day and if you are sick stay home so you do not infect others. Talk to family members and friends about a possible pandemic and be sure to share with them what knowledge you have on the subject so they can be better prepared. I have noticed that when there is an n outbreak of something people generally do not want to discuss it because it makes them uneasy which is understandable but if people discuss the matter more then knowledge will be spread faster. If knowledge is spread faster then the severity of the pandemic may be less.
ReplyDeleteIn response to do I think there will be a major flu pandemic in the next few years? It is certainly possible and people should think about it and prepare for it, however, if there is a pandemic we are much better prepared for it then those living during 1918 and it is because of the 1918 pandemic that we are better prepared.
Gabrielle M.
T/Th Burke
This flu seems to have stemmed from an avian source. The virus underwent changes in 1918 that made it more lethal. Research has shown that the strains of the virus seen in spring of 1918 had receptors that bound to avian cells. Soon, though, the virus changed so that it attached to human respiratory cells. Humans can transfer the flu to pigs, and vice versa. Birds can transfer the flu to humans and to pigs, but humans cannot transfer the flu to birds. An outbreak today might be less prevalent than the 1918 outbreak because many people take preventative measures, such as flu vaccines. Those who would be severely affected would be the young, elderly, or immunocompromised. Though, an outbreak that we would not be prepared for may cause severe damage in society because we would not be able to identify the strain immediately and formulate an effective treatment before significant damage would be done. Consequences would be severe whenever the occurred, but I feel like it would not be as widespread because of knowledge of the flu and better hygienic practices. In light of the possibility of a pandemic, researchers work to see which strains would be most prevalent in the upcoming flu season, and people are vaccinated accordingly.
ReplyDeleteAccording to a report of The World Health Organization issued in 2004, the threat of an influenza pandemic occurring in our near future has increase with the appearance of the avian flu H5N1. The 20th century has witnessed three pandemics, all of which has spread throughout the world withing a year(FAO). One of them was the 1918 "Spanish flu" H1N1, which caused the highest number of known death, more than 500,000 in the USA and possibly as many as 50 million worldwide(Berkley.edu). Most of the death occurred within a few days of the person being infected.H5N1 which has been limited to poultry, now has spread to migrating birds and has emerge among the human population. Presenting a threat of a pandemic for which the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION and other health organizations are making preparations.The precautions that are being implemented are strict guidelines on "biosecurity". Biosecurity is define as the concept of preventing disease entry and and exit (Berkley.edu). Precautions issued by the UN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) in June 2004 were designed to offset the common breaks that occur in biosecurity. Some of these break are: bringing animals that are incubating disease,using contaminated equipment or instrument,bringing contaminated material such as clothing, toys and basic essentials.Port authority are being trained to perform certain tests and more strict quarantine regulations during the import and export of livestock. The FAA has also established safety regulation for the protection of their customers and national security. The USA is a nation of consumers and we depend on many foreign goods to carry on with our daily lives, lets just hope that the biosecurity measures that are been implemented today really work to protect us and other
ReplyDeleteIf an outbreak occurs today, I think it will be nothing compared to the 1918 outbreak. For example, 2009 had a far more mild disease outbreak compared to 1918. So if an outbreak occurs today, it should follow the trend of being a more mild outbreak. Second, we understand much more about virology today than we did in 1918. With the knowledge of how viruses function, we could pinpoint the source of an outbreak quicker and prevent much more deaths than possible in 1918.
ReplyDeleteBecause of a possibility of a pandemic, vaccines are becoming available to help lower the chances of getting the disease. In 2009, they incorporated the H1N1 vaccine to the seasonal flu vaccine. Virologists are also helping by studying these reemerging infections in humans to help decrease the chances of acquiring them in the future.
I would not be surprised if there is a major flu pandemic in the next few years because viruses are continually infecting, mutating, and hiding within our environment or ourselves, making it hard for virologists to keep up. Since the herd immunity is going down and people are becoming more frightened from a non-scientifically proven side effect than the actual disease, people are skipping vaccinations and not helping to protect society from a major flu pandemic.
There are two sources of the flu. The main source is from birds and the secondary source is from humans transferring to each other. The way that pig is involved in the cycle of the influenza is through their habitat. In slaughter farms where they raise poultry and pork, the confinements are so small the birds that have the virus infect the pigs. If we eat undercooked pork, we can then be infected. I think its very likely that a pandemic could occur because our lack of cleanliness and cooking, as well as keeping up with vaccinations. Another major reason is because viruses can mutate and become more aggressive and hide in our bodies.
ReplyDeleteThe Avian flu (H5N1) comes from birds, such as chickens, that are infected with the virus. If humans handle an infected bird they may become infected with a human-compatible strain of the virus. Once a person is infected with the virus he or she cannot transmit it to another person. As of now, the H5N1 virus can only be transmitted from birds to humans.
ReplyDeleteIn lecture, we discussed the relationship between birds, pigs, humans and the flu. We learned that pigs act as little incubators for the virus they can contract from birds and humans. When the pigs contract these different strains of human and bird viruses they serve as viral recombination factories and can be hosts for new strains of viruses that contain new assortments of genetic information. During this random assortment stage in the pig, new viruses could be made with human receptors that have the capability of being transmitted to humans. This means that viral information from birds, pigs, and humans all got mixed together and have created a new virus that will infect humans and could then possibly be transmitted from human to human if further mutation or recombination occurs.
I think there is a possibility a flu pandemic will occur in the next few years but I really hope it will not happen. More people are choosing not being vaccinated each year and if a nasty strain of the flu starts to circulate people will not be protected from the virus and they will get sick and spread it around. Also viruses are constantly mutating and recombining to form new strains so there is always a possibility that strains of the flu evolve faster than vaccines can be made which could cause an outbreak.
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 have a better technology, and medicine than we had during the 1918, although the flu can evolve itself, and can change its genetic material. If that happen, we would be dealing with another different kind of flu. Another reason why would this be devastating than during the 1918, is because of the changing pattern of the receptor that made it possible to transmit to human. If another outbreak that will happen again, and this time the receptor changes it made would be worst, enabling it to be transfer from human to human, then there would be likely millions of people around the world would be infected, even greater than 1918.
-Ronelyn P.
The source of H5N1 (also known as bird flu) are birds. These infected birds can also infect humans and other animals. A common way for humans to contract H5N1 are from handling the infected raw meat. Birds are able to pass this infection onto pigs because they tend to live in the same areas and environments. Once these pigs contract this disease, humans than are at risk for contracting it by handling the pork or eating it.
ReplyDeleteIf a pandemic like H5N1 occurred it would cause a great deal of worry because this disease is airborne making it very contagious and many people would be infected. Some people would be at a greater risk than others, for example people who work in meat shops and are handling the raw meat or travelers who are entering into other countries and even people who eat their meat rare. The disease would travel from human to human very quickly and before we know it we would have many people sick individuals.
I believe that if people take the right precautions like eating their meat well done and washing their hands frequently and protecting themselves from ill people than it would not be likely that H5N1 would turn into a pandemic in the next few years. That does not mean that it is impossible to occur but if we all play a role in protecting ourselves than their shouldn’t be a reason to worry.
A flu outbreak today would be far more disasterous than the 1918 flu because the world is a smaller place today. Not literally, but in the sense that people, today, are much more globally connected. An outbreak of the flu in China is able to travel around the world via airplane in a matter of hours. In 1918 people were only beginning to experience global connectedness via WWI, and most did not travel very far from thier homes. Secondly the consequences of a global pandemic would be horrific. Not only would there be a great loss of human life, but also a great economic loss. Airport would have to be shut down which halts all air commerce. Infected areas would need to be moderately quarentined which would hinder the working potential of its occupants.
ReplyDelete