Bird Flu Update -- What You Really Need to Know from the Experts at Bottom Line/Personal

    /24-7PressRelease/ - STAMFORD, CT, January 10, 2006 - The Spanish flu killed 50 million people in 1918. What's ahead for us? No one really knows but did you know that the killer flu from almost 90 years ago began as a bird flu virus and "jumped" to humans?

"If the initial outbreak reaches a major city before doctors figure out that it is underway, that's a clue that the mutated virus is easily transmitted from person to person and will spread quickly," says William Schaffner, MD, chairman of the department of preventative medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville in the current issue of Bottom Line/Personal (February 1, 2006).

In November 2005 Bottom Line/Personal ran an article warning readers about the avian flu pandemic that may be on its way to North America. The piece generated tremendous response and a flood of questions. So Bottom Line went back to their experts to address these concerns.

The potential for an avian flu pandemic is very real, although no one can say for sure when we may be exposed to it. A pandemic is defined as a global epidemic and at this point, although vaccines are in development, there are no vaccines that offer immunity. Creating a vaccine for this new flu is a slow and expensive process. The real danger for Americans is not direct contact with infected birds but the possibility that the virus will 'jump' from birds to humans. Then it will spread like an ordinary flu bug, from person to person -- but with far more dangerous consequences.

How will we know when a pandemic is here? "The early stages of this pandemic will look like any other outbreak of a pneumonic respiratory illness. Large numbers of people in one specific region will come down with flu symptoms, but doctors there won't initially know that they're dealing with the deadly avian flu. The flu usually sends only a small percentage of victims to the hospital -- this one probably will be worse."

Can't this bird flu virus be stopped somehow? "Science will not be able to prevent this pandemic, but it might be able to blunt its impact and reduce the death toll."

Would a home air purifier help? "No. Home air purifiers do not filter out viruses."

So what can I do to prepare myself? "Stay in shape. People who are overweight or suffer from high blood pressure are at greater risk should they contract avian flu."

What about a regular flu shot? "This year's shot doesn't protect you against the avian flu, but it should keep you from getting the regular flu and thus help you stay fit and healthy."

Is it okay to have a bird feeder in my backyard? "Your backyard bird feeder will not expose you to the avian flu," said Mary C. Pearl, PhD, president of the Wildlife Trust, a global conservation organization. "Avian flu is carried mainly by chickens and waterfowl, including ducks and geese, none of which are typical bird feeder birds."

Is this a bad time to own a pet bird? "Pet birds pose no danger. The types of birds commonly kept as pets do not seem to be carriers. Besides, birds that you already have in cages in your home are unlikely to come in contact with wild birds."

For a copy of the article "The Deadly Bird Flu Is Coming: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself" (November 15, 2005) and "Bird Flu Update: Your Questions Answered" (February 1, 2006) go to [url]http://www.BottomLineSecrets.com/avian[url]

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