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Avian Flu
By Laura Turner, Tue Jan 10th
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months,you've heard the buzz: bird flu, avian flu, pandemic. Heck, evenTed Koppel admitted he's been doing outside reading on the Flu'sorigin. What does it all mean? Is it really cause for concern?As always it's best to educate yourself on the state of affairs,then decide what you can do. What we know: President Bush has outlined a 7 billion dollarprogram to prepare the US for the outbreak of the avian fluvirus. Thanks much, but studies also report that even with thislarge number there could be a shortage if we reach a full blownpandemic (Never mind the question, where-o-where will we findthe 7 billion?). Therefore, before we become panic stricken, let's first note thefacts beginning with the query: Why is this flu such a concern?
What we know: The particular strain of influenza H5N1 has shownup in birds first in Hong Kong and moved throughout Asia. Thecases of human casualty have all been with persons in contactwith the virus (I could only find one exception to this). Thus,the majority of deaths (somewhere around 60) have resulted fromcontact with an infected bird. From this we conclude, in alllikelihood H5N1 in its current form does not spread from personto person. The fear: The virus mutates to form a hybrid version that canbecome airborne and spread from human to human at an alarmingrate. This frightens researchers because humans have notdeveloped immunity to one particular protein in the strain. Inall likelihood? The mutation could simply lead to a less severeversion of the original. The absolute worst case scenario: Thevirus becomes self evolving creating a rapidly spreadingpandemic. What we know: Immunologists seem in agreement that most humansbuild an immunity to a variety of influenza strains and a strongimmune system can be the
first responder to a flu attack.Although several prototype vaccines are currently beingdeveloped, there is no guarantee that they will be able toconquer a mutated virus, and while two antiviral drugs "Tamiflu"and "Relenza" are believed to reduce the severity of H5N1, theymust be given within a 24-48 hour period after infection. Yetthe same mutation disclaimer could also apply. The shot then,while always a good idea for special populations and children,does not offer a magic bullet as far as this scientist canspeculate . Are we all sitting ducks then, waiting to be swallowed up bysuch devastation? I say: a resounding "No!" What we should bepublicizing is: There is much you can do to arm yourself. First,have hope. Next, learn to build your immune system. Exercise,proper nutrition, sound sleep and meditation are all things youcan do on a daily basis that will stimulate the immune systemand build your force field against dangerous pathogens. It's notjust me saying so, either. This is the prescription given byresearchers at Columbia University's School of Public Health. And finally, As much as I believe it is important to be wellinformed about the state of the world at large, take a breakfrom the negativity, and forget about natural selection. WhileDarwin may be looking down and wringing his hands from above,God knows we've all got better things to do. For more info visit: www.pandemicflu.gov Resources: USA Today Associated Press About the author:Laura M. Turner is a 15-year veteran fitness instructor, fitnesstrainer and natural health practitioner. She hostshttp://www.body-and-beauty.com a website dedicated to inspiringand educating others about the benefits of creativity, naturalhealth and fitness. Check out Laura's latest book SpiritualFitness: The 7-Steps to Living Well or subscribe FREE to heronline magazine The New Body News and Wellness Letter:http://www.new-body-news.com
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