Concerns about the H5N1 bird flu have been expressed by experts, who think it could spark a pandemic 100 times more devastating than COVID-19.
The H5N1 Virus Spread
“This virus has likely been at the top of the pandemic list for decades or even longer… And now that this virus is moving dangerously near to possibly starting a pandemic, Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a Pittsburgh-based bird flu researcher, was reported by DailyMail as saying:
The H5N1 viruses have already shown several crucial characteristics of a possible pandemic virus, according to Dr. Kuchipudi. The “greatest pandemic threat” is present, he continued.
A Pandemic More Severe Than Covid-19?
The H5N1 bird flu concerns were brought up at a recent briefing where scientists went into detail about the problem and voiced fear that it might be getting close to a tipping point that might start a worldwide pandemic.
John Fulton, a vaccine consultant for the pharmaceutical industry, cautioned that the H5N1 strain of influenza A could start a pandemic that is more severe than COVID-19.
“This appears to be 100 times worse than COVID, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate,” Fulton said.
EFSA Issues Warning
The Food Safety Agency (EFSA) of the European Union issued a warning on Wednesday. They stated that if humans can contract the virus because they are immune to it, there might be a widespread bird flu pandemic.
This happened after Texas announced that a human case of the avian influenza H5N1 strain had been identified.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that between January 2003 and February 26 of this year, 887 instances of H5N1 avian influenza infection in humans have been reported worldwide. 462 of these cases resulted in death, meaning that 52% of cases were deadly.
H5N1 Prevention Tips
Here are some pointers to prevent contracting the H5N1 flu:
- Humans should make an effort to stay away from sick or dead birds as well as their droppings. Wear personal safety equipment when working with them.
- To eradicate the virus, boil the poultry items thoroughly.
- Frequently, wash your hands with water and soap. Do not use unwashed hands to contact your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- If you think you may have a respiratory illness, get medical help.
- Adhere to public health advice and keep up with the most recent H5N1 developments.
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