moore2me
Lions don't need to spank
Arial in another thread asked the question "And what about this bird flu? I've been reading for almost two years about how some sort of superflu, whether it's the bird flu or not, is going to kill millions of us and they are only NOW starting to try to see if they can make TamiFlu (which will take a long time), and they have no real plans in place?"
I would like to try and answer her. There is no vaccine yet for bird flu for people because the virus has not "jumped" species to people. We don't know exactly what it is going to be like and we cannot make a vaccine until we have a final version that is transmitted person to person.
Tamiflu is used after you get exposed to the viral agent. Tamiflu is also a broad spectrum virus killing agent that affects most viruses. However, there are a few problems with its use. 1) It is patented, 2) With repeated use some viruses may evolve resistance so we want to save it for very important instances and, 3) Poorer nations cannot afford it (think economic thinning of the herd).
It is better to get a vaccine ahead of time than to wait and get exposed and then get treated. It's like waiting until your dog get bit by a rapid skunk before you get his rabies shots. So, developing a vaccine is number one priority after the disease emerges in its final form.
I would like to try and answer her. There is no vaccine yet for bird flu for people because the virus has not "jumped" species to people. We don't know exactly what it is going to be like and we cannot make a vaccine until we have a final version that is transmitted person to person.
Tamiflu is used after you get exposed to the viral agent. Tamiflu is also a broad spectrum virus killing agent that affects most viruses. However, there are a few problems with its use. 1) It is patented, 2) With repeated use some viruses may evolve resistance so we want to save it for very important instances and, 3) Poorer nations cannot afford it (think economic thinning of the herd).
It is better to get a vaccine ahead of time than to wait and get exposed and then get treated. It's like waiting until your dog get bit by a rapid skunk before you get his rabies shots. So, developing a vaccine is number one priority after the disease emerges in its final form.
