The H5N1 scenario is serious. I had a special google alert in place for H5N1, and you know, I get emails daily, reporting infections in Vietnam, Russia, Thailand, China, Indonesia and more alerts about what measures the USA and Britain are taking.
Common sense also tells you that a disease that is lethal to people, that is spread by wild migrating birds, is going to have serious consequences. That means when the seasons change, you might have some new visitors in the garden or a nearby tree. This same disease has also managed to kill people by way of pigs. I don't know about you, but I can see that here is something very unusual, and also very deadly, and adaptable on the loose. And if you think about it, we people are very vulnerable. The world population is extremely large, over 6 billion. And a lot of us are not that healthy to begin with. If H5N1 hits Africa, where so much of the population is struggling and laid bare by another killer disease (AIDS), you better believe its going to spread like a wildfire.
There is something you and I can do. When you next visit your doctor, ask him or her if he is aware of it. If he knows what progress has been made developing antivirals. Or call up your doctor and speak to him.
I have friend who live near one of the best faculties of medicene in South Africa, the University of the Free State. Call up a professor at the faculty and ask them if they are doing their part to develop vaccines. Are they co-operating with other medical establishments overseas. Are they doing anything?
Another thing you can do is build up your immunity. Take your vitamins, get plenty of sleep, avoid extreme stress if you can, and make sure you're eating healthy meals each day.
And write a letter to your local newspaper.
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