The world is now looking at another pandemic caused by avian influenza viruses? The increasing incidence of avian influenza virus, the spread of global disease and the fact that many scientists believe that this is not a question of if, but when we experience it, because it a global issue. What do some think this is highly likely?

To answer this question we must first examine what is avian flu, and some of its history.

Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza is a disease that is caused by avian influenza virus. These viruses occur naturally among wild birds and are carried in their intestines. These viruses are highly contagious and normally will not make wild birds sick, however, they can be extremely dangerous to domestic birds such as turkeys, chickens, ducks and make them very sick and can cause death.

Bird flu has been recorded in Italy more than 100 years in 1878. As the cause of a large amount of death among poultry, it became known as "fowl plague". This disease was registered in the U.S. in 1924-25 and again in 1929. In 1955, it was determined that the virus responsible for avian influenza was one of the influenza virus. The official designation of the avian influenza A H5N1 is the flu-. This strain was first isolated in birds in South Africa in 1961.

Initially thought only to infect birds this flu advertised unprecedented in 1997, when for the first time the virus has been transmitted to humans. During this period 18 people were hospitalized and 6 died. The authorities attempt to control the epidemic has killed about 1.

5 million chickens. It was in an attempt to eliminate the source of the virus.

Since 1997 there have been confirmed cases of people infected by the virus. Two children in Hong Kong have been infected this year, but both children recovered.

In 2003, two members of a family of Hong Kong have been infected after a trip to China. One person died. The cause was never determined where and how these two people were infected. Later, back in China of another family member died of a respiratory disease, but no testing was done at that time.

Also in 2003 the Netherlands have reported over 80 cases of avian influenza-A among poultry workers and their families. One patient died. At that time, there seemed to be evidence of human to human transmissions. These homes tapered off in the spring of 2004 but then reappeared in the summer.

On September 19, 2005 there were 114 confirmed human cases of avian influenza with 59 of them fatal. Human cases of the disease have been reported in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. Sustained transmission from person to person has not taken place but there is another report of suspected human transmission in Thailand in the fall of 2004. The virus has recently shown the ability to jump from one species to cats, pigs, tigers and leopards infection. The areas affected by H5N1 avian influenza in poultry include: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

First, an influenza pandemic occurs when a new virus emerges that the human population has no immunity from. This results in a large scale outbreak in the world with a huge amount of deaths and disease. Because of the global transportation, over-population and urbanization of these epidemics seize very rapidly worldwide.

That is why the recent discoveries regarding the avian flu virus are of particular concern. Reassortment (which is the change of genetic material between two types of viruses to one third) of the genomes of avian influenza is very likely because these viruses have demonstrated an ability to infect several species, as is currently the case Asia. This then leads to greater chance of human exposure and infection. This new virus has the new genetics that would be immune to current vaccines. As shown in the world has faced potential pandemic for several years regarding the avian flu virus and the recent developments, it seems only a matter of time before we Pandemic influenza gigantic proportions. Nobody knows with certainty if and when a pandemic occurs, it could be within weeks or even years, but all conditions are in place, except one - the evidence supported a virus that spreads from person to person .

Take a look at the story on the flu pandemic is over. This may give a better understanding when we use the word epic proportions. These previous pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss. The devastating potential of avian influenza pandemic is greater than the former.

In 1918-1919 when more than 500,000 deaths in the United States alone, with about 50 million people worldwide. In 1957-1958 the Asian flu caused 70,000 deaths the first time in China in late February 1957 and spread to the United States by June 1957. The Hong Kong flu in 1968 and 1969 is about 34,000 deaths in the United States alone.

So what would happen if we faced a pandemic today, the avian flu virus? Most agree that we may have very little chance of containment for several reasons. First the world will have just weeks to accomplish this feat. Scientists estimate that 300,000 to one million people are in immediate need of anti-viral. At this moment there are limited stocks. Because of production limitations the current period is four to six months to produce a certain quantity of vaccine. This may not be fast enough. The fact is that for the containment of the world would need to undertake a massive vaccination campaign within two to three weeks for any chance of containing the virus.

There is also the possibility that current vaccines against avian influenza had little or no effect on a pandemic virus. This is because the vaccine must match the pandemic virus can not be the case. The world would then need a new vaccine. Thus, a vaccine developed in Thailand can not protect you against another virus in another part of the world. It would take several months to develop and at this time millions may die.

Then there is the question of distribution. There is no guarantee of allocation priorities. This could mean that poor countries can not receive the vaccine at all, because the rich countries would get the majority.

So what is our government and others are doing to fight effectively against this possible nightmare? What can you do as an individual?

On February 4, 2004, there was an order for an immediate ban on the import of all birds) in the following areas in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong, HRH South Korea Thailand and Vietnam. Hong Kong was removed from the ban list because of the imposed vaccination, inspection and surveillance programs for poultry farms, live poultry markets, pet birds and dealers, also because it does 'There has been no additional cases of influenza A (H5N1) in birds in Hong Kong since the peregrine falcon has been positive because of their inclusion on the list.

The World Health Organization has helped lead efforts to develop a national plan to cover aspects of the response to a pandemic require enhanced surveillance and early detection. Improving our public health infrastructure to be able to effectively administer the programs is also a priority.

There was also a contract value of the capacity of eggs increased by about 10 million dollars granted. This was done to help the manufacture of vaccines. Since vaccines may offer a safe, effective and efficient to prevent disease, disability and death from infectious diseases, research is a priority with health organizations. The National Institutes of Health is another organization involved in testing new vaccines.

The only downside is they take time to develop and like any new strain of the virus would not be sufficient at the time of the outbreak. This makes communication and early detection a priority.

The World Health Organisation Centers for Disease Control, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health to name but a few are proactively monitoring reports influenza world. There is a network of 112 national influenza centers that are monitoring the activity and isolate influenza viruses in all continents. They then immediately report the conclusion of all influenza viruses found new or unusual. They also introduced new methods of reporting public health emergencies of international concern would be that.

In America, at this moment the risk is very low for a pandemic of avian influenza virus. This does not mean that the government does nothing. The French drug manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis has won a contract worth 100 million dollars to supply the United States of a vaccine against H5N1.

The United States has also awarded a contract for $ 2.8 million for GlaxoSmithKline Britain to 84,300 during an antiviral. Although not a vaccine, this antiviral Tamiflu ®, has demonstrated its ability to protect against human infection. The purchases are part of a U.S. plan to buy vaccines for 20 million people and anti-viral for another 20 million. Over the past four years, the Department of Health and Social Services has invested a lot in the protection against influenza including funding increases for CDC influenza (17.2 million to 41.6 million , 242%) and the creation of strategic reserves / stocks ($ 0 $ 80 million).

It also looks like an effective vaccine may have finally emerged to fight against the avian flu virus. Recently, testing, preliminary results obtained from 115 vaccine recipients showed a strong immune response sufficient to ward off the virus. These tests were held for several months.

Also in the United Kingdom, the risk at this time is very low, but could be subject to change very suddenly. Precautions are taken, as the virus spreads. The government ordered around 14.6 million courses of Tamiflu - enough to treat about a quarter of the population of the United Kingdom. They have developed a distribution system that would make anti-viral drugs available to health workers, people who would be essential to the continuation of government, and high-risk individuals first. The UK Health Protection Agency estimates that in the case of a flu pandemic could be a possible 50,000 deaths in Wales and England. Because of its planning for the World Health Organization said that the UK is at the forefront of preparations internationally for pandemic influenza outbreak.

Even the most effective way to deal with influenza in general is still by vaccination each year. At this moment there are no vaccines on the market to fight against the avian flu virus. But as seen above, it is very close to an answer. Other vaccines against influenza are available and should be considered to prevent help prevent an epidemic.

There are two types of vaccines. The first is a vaccine against influenza. It is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) given usually in the arm. It was approved for use in people older than 6 months, healthy people and also people with a chronic condition. The second type is a nasal spray vaccine against influenza. This is a vaccine based on weakened live virus, and that does not cause the flu. It is approved for use in healthy people over 5 years to 49 years.

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can be vaccinated. There are people who are at high risk for serious complications if they were to contract influenza or people who deal with these people. These people should be vaccinated each year. This group includes people 65 years or more. People who live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities. Adults and children 6 months and older who suffer from chronic heart or lung is particularly asthma. Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year due to a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease or immune system weakened, including immune system problems caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus. [HIV / AIDS] Every 6 months for children under 18 who are on aspirin therapy long term. This is because children who received aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye's syndrome. All women who will be pregnant during flu season and all children 6 to 23 months of age should be vaccinated each year.

People with conditions that compromise the sense of respiratory function, a condition that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, such as brain injury or disease, spinal cord, seizures, or nerve disorders or muscle.

Other measures to prepare for and cope with an outbreak would include. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, stay home or keep your child at school when sick. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Maintain clean surfaces also plays an important role in preventing the spread of the virus. Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212 ° F [75-100 ° C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophor (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against influenza virus in case of Using the appropriate concentration for sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol between them can be used to clean hands.

Not wanting to look like an apocalyptic prophet, but in the end the following is known. The threat is real. Bird flu is spreading at an alarming rate. There is the possibility of a catastrophic flu pandemic. Since 1997, we saw pass the virus only affects birds, to affect other animals and now an increasing number of human infections. It shows that the virus is evolving and not for the better. The world is united to stop this deadly virus and economies of apocalyptic nightmare. Do we know where and when an influenza pandemic can start? No, we did not because right now there is no absolute proof of man to human transmission of the virus, we can not guess. It is a condition sine qua non of a pandemic, it has to be spread from human to human.

By monitoring, reporting and work together on vaccines we are currently ahead of a possible flu pandemic that could devastate the global community. It is the promise as shown by the discovery this month of a viable vaccine for the avian flu virus. Even with this new threat as individuals, we must take precautions to avoid contracting any of the other forms of influenza. For further research, individual effort and the effort of the global community, we can prevent a flu pandemic that would have the potential to kill millions.

For more information about the avian flu virus are good resources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, Department of Health and Social Services, the World Organization for Animal Health and the New England Journal of Medicine.