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What Could Happen If the Bird Flu Mutates?

The biggest fear of those that know about the bird flu is that they are worried, and rightly so, that the bird flu could become a virus that can move from one person to another person like other influenza viruses do. If you think about it for a moment, it will worry you. Just think about how many times you have been at work and your co worker has come in with the flu. They have too much work to do, right? The problem is that within a matter of minutes, you have become infected. Within a week you are sick. In the case of the bird flu, this could be potentially deadly.

The bird flu cannot be transmitted, as for yet, from one person to another person. It can mutate into a virus that can do this though. This is the fear of many. If the bird flu makes this change, it could be costly for everyone. The worst case scenario that many scientists are presenting is that 2% of the world’s population could die from a pandemic of the bird flu. That is an estimated 150 million people. That is a scary number. Of course, there is no way of knowing what the possibilities of that happening actually are. But, if the pandemic did spread, what would happen?

Here are some things to think about in that situation.

• There have already been billions of dollars invested in the study of the bird flu. These funds have also gone to help in preparing for a pandemic should it happen. Of course, there is no telling if there will be time and if so, how much will be available. There is also no telling if the medications being developed for the bird flu will work when and if it hits.

• There are social and personal responses to the bird flu. Many become afraid to eat chicken, for example. Although there is no reason to do this as of yet, many of begun to think so. Those that are also stocking supplies for if and when the pandemic breaks out are also out there.

• If there is a slow down in the purchase of poultry products that is significant, whole countries can suffer economic breakdowns as many are dependant on the sale of chicken products.

• Politically there can also be the she said he said game that happens. Of course, this can cause a melt down of power structures as well.

• Panic may also be a problem. Although the population is only at a 2% mortality rate, this is a significant enough number to terrify those, especially those that live in countries that are not prepared for the pandemic should it happen.