No quick fix for bird flu, experts caution
11 Oct 2005 19:48:57 GMT
By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Correspondent
Source: Reuters
"WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - If vaccines and drugs are available too late to stop bird flu, then what can be done to battle H5N1 avian influenza if it spreads to people? Not a lot, experts say.
"If a pandemic emerges in the coming year, there will not be enough supplies of drugs or vaccines to stop it and basic medical equipment that could slow its spread is also lacking.
"World leaders have been stepping up their efforts to battle avian influenza in recent weeks, holding meetings, making international visits and ordering vaccines and drugs.
"U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and a contingent of U.S. and World Health Organization flu experts are visiting affected southeast Asian nations this week and diplomats are working to make better alliances for sharing information quickly about any human outbreaks.
"But many experts agree that little real progress has been made in stopping the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
"...World Health Organization officials say many countries still seem to be reluctant to share information and to ask for help if the pandemic begins within their borders.
"...Experts say it is mutating steadily and fear it will eventually acquire the changes it needs to spread easily from person to person. If it did, it could sweep around the world in months or even weeks and could kill millions of people.
"Even in advanced nations like the United States, little has been done to help provide even basic care for pandemic flu patients, the American College of Emergency Physicians said." Click the title to read the article.
| With the onset of a possible bird flu pandemic, read Diseases & Impaired Immunity to find out if your own immune system is already compromised. Read more to learn how you can help yourself while waiting for the right vaccine to come along. |
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posted by Shirley @ 8:31 AM
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