Posts Tagged ‘Avian Virus’
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.
