Am I the only one who thinks the bird flu is a myth?

Question

I mean it hasn't even mutated to a human to human virus.

Answer 1

Bird flu is not a total myth. It is highly contagious in fowl. Most severe strains of influenza, from the past, have also began in animal species. They all developed the ability to infect humans and be transmitted human-to-human. That is the fear. Whether it will happen is not known at this time. That is why we hear so much about bird flu. Will it ever be as dangerous as predicted? Who knows. There has been little evidence to show mutation that would enable humans to be infected easier. The media is taking liberties with the information because they need to sell their product. And, they have no true scientific expertise. We will have to wait and see what this winter brings. It will most likely be the next season that is a problem....if the strain mutates. Remember, the fall migration of bird species is just beginning. That will most likely give some idea of the global spread within the bird communities. This could easily spread like West Nile Virus. Or, it could play out and be negligible in impact. In either case, it doesn't hurt to be prepared or cautious. Don't panic over the word "pandemic". Pandemic only means world-wide distribution, not world-wide infectious disaster.

Answer 2

Certainly not a myth, though somewhat overhyped as a threat. The problem there is that neither the media nor the general public have much understanding of risk evaluation.

The downside risk is indeed huge. A similar virus, the Spanish influenza, killed 25 million people in 1918. The actual future of this virus is of course impossible to predict. It could turn contagious among humans next year and kill millions. It might also lose virulence in the process and end up being much less of a killer.

It is likely that the virulence has been overestimated already. How many chicken farmers in rural Asia seek medical attention for the flu? There were probably a number of less severe cases of this flu that went unreported.

As over-reactions go, the bird flu hysteria is pretty mild. Back in the 70's there was a panic about a swine flu that killed a man and sickened several people in the US. Even though there was no evidence that the flu was spreading, the government rushed a vaccine into circulation. Though the swine flu claimed no more victims, a number of deaths and serious side effects were attributed to the vaccine.

Answer 3

I work in a poultry plant and believe me, the bird flu is NOT a myth. As far as it mutating into a human virus, we do hope it does not.
The bird flu has not been found in the US because we have more specific checks and shots that are given to our chickens. The USDA has the upper hand on any type of virus here, because our chickens are not allowed to run around in fields or the woods. Ours are kept in bird HOUSES and are given shots when just a couple of days old. Therefore, it is very unlikely the USA will get it. If we do, I am sure it will be a slight case and something someone had to bring into the country with them.

Answer 4

Most colds and flus originate from birds or pigs and get transmitted to humans. Eventually one little b**ger learns how to go from human to human, and everybody gets sick. The last time it happened it wiped out whole cities in Europe (see Spanish Influenza). It is a real threat because the people it has infected have become so sick, and have died. That doesn't necessarily mean that this one will be IT, there may well be another one that comes along and gives up the one-two punch.

Answer 5

It's not a myth but has been way way over played up in the media. Its not a new thing. I swear that some of the "big news story scares" are used as a distraction. like a magicians slight of hand. why or on whos agenda, i don't know. Just an interesting thought.

Answer 6

No, why might somebody engineer a affliction such because of the fact the flu to kill human beings? If somebody had to try this they might pick a affliction with an exceedingly intense mortality cost which contain ebola.

Answer 7

yes you are the only one. Not all viruses go to human to human. It is bird to human right now, is that not good enough for you?

Answer 8

Thank goodness they were wrong. The news media has to hop on something every once in a while. Wonder what it'll be next?

Answer 9

when this turns into the virus X (the one that'll wipe us out) you'll be singing a different song

Answer 10

Yes.