The Healthy Blogger

Avian flu does not like the cold

Despite all the warnings about swine flu, it still has not reached pandemic level.  One of the biggest concerns is that it may mutate and become more virulent.  Another concern is that it may mix with the avian flu and create a maor crisis.  However, a recent study suggests that the avian flu virus has not adapted to colder climates.  This makes it less likely to be carried in human noses, or at least, noses of humans living in colder climes.

The reason that many other human viruses can cause infections in our colder noses is that these viruses have adapted themselves to the cold.  There are still some that prefer warmer climes.  That is why sometimes cold air is recommended for cold sufferers.  The swine flu virus (H1N1) is able to survive in colder climates, therefore, it has been able to spread.  We would have a bigger catastrophe if the avian virus mutates.  Fortunately, this takes time and scientists are able to monitor any changes.

Experts still urge us not to be complacent about the swine flu, but some people are suggesting trying to get it now while it’s mild and you can develop an immunity to it.  This would only be advisable if you are healthy and can quarantine yourself so as not to inadvertently infect someone who is immunocompromised in any way.

New flu epidemic hits Mexico

There is a small outbreak of swine flu in Mexico that has killed 60 people.  It is being blamed for 800 more cases of illness.  Seven other cases of swine flu in southern US have been reported.  All those have survived.  It is unclear at this time whether the cases in the US are linked to the ones in Mexico.  Interestingly, the seven in the US had no contact with pigs.

Tests are still being done on the cases in Mexico to confirm that it is swine flu in all of them.  A spokesman for the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reported that the virus that has been identified in the confirmed cases show a mixture of pig, bird and human viruses.  This is the first time that experts have seen such a combination strain.

It is rather late in the season for influenza, but it is an unusual virus that we are dealing with.  Schools have been closed and a vaccination campaign has been started.  However, it is doubtful that the vaccine will have much effect since it was produced for a different strain of the flu.  People are urged to take preventative measures.  Experts have been nervously awaiting a major flu pandemic, so one wonders if this is the start of a major worldwide problem.

So, what can you do if this swine flu does spread?  Well, it’s best to take care of your general health.  That means eat right, get plenty of rest, wash hands thoroughly when required, cover up when you sneeze or cough, isolate those who are ill.  Vaccination will depend on whether the correct vaccine is distributed.  However, it is recommended to take the vaccine even if it is does not cover the correct strain, because it should confer some protection against fatality.