Flu Update: Much uncertainty still remains

Associated Press most current review of Q and A regarding the flu

The L.A. Times yesterday (April 30, 2009) has a very encouraging article pointing out that the genetic sequence of this flu has been studied and appears to be less worrisome than previous thought.

Another encouraging summary from a layperson’s blog that I am hopeful is going to be the scenerio that pans out in the end.  It seems that I am finding more ‘no big deal’ articles than worry ones.  I think that the truth lies somewhere in between.

Hand washing is key.  Some report that the flu spreads more from contact than from the air:

“2.4 Evidence for the Mode of Influenza Transmission 

 Organisms, especially respiratory viruses expelled in large droplets, remain viable in droplets that settle on objects in the immediate environment of the patient.  Both influenza A and B viruses have been shown to survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for 24-48 hours, on cloth paper and tissue for 8-12 hours and on hands for 5 minutes8.  The virus survives better at the low relative humidity encountered during winter in temperate zones.  Contact with respiratory secretions and large droplets, appears to account for most transmissions of influenza.  In a report of an outbreak in a nursing home, the pattern of spread was suggestive of contact rather than airborne transmission because patients who were tube fed or required frequent suctioning had higher infection rates than those who did not require such care.  Whether or not influenza is naturally transmitted by the airborne route is controversial.  An outbreak of influenza on an airliner has been attributed to airborne spread; however, large droplet spread could have been responsible because the passengers were crowded together and moved about for several hours in a small, grounded airplane9.   Although experimental airborne transmission of influenza A virus to mice has been reported, there is no evidence of such transmission in humans.”

And finally, here is a good summary article about the theories concerning why Mexico seems to have such a high mortality rate: Answer–unreported cases are probably MUCH higher so the 6% number is much lower?

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