New Vaccine Development

There has been a new step in the development of an effective vaccine against H5N1, the bird flu virus that's also dangerous to humans.


A preventative vaccine has been almost impossible to develop because of uncertainty over the final form of the virus when it mutates to a human pathogen.


According to virologists at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, a vaccine currently being tested protects against different variants of the H5N1 virus, including new strains.


With the addition of a substance that stimulates the immune system, the vaccine response is improved.


Human trials (and trials in weasles, also susceptible to viruses) are currently underway.

Why Does Flu Spread in Winter

New York researchers tell us that winter months foster the spread of flu virus because of the construct of the virus itself. The virus is more stable and remains airborne longer when the air is cold and dry. This describes our winter conditions exactly, and explains why these months see an increase in influenza type illness.

Influenza is more likely to be transmitted during winter on the way to work and school than it is in a warm room says the chairman of the microbiology department at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Peter Palese.

This reinforces the reminders of infection prevention: wash your hands frequently, cough and sneeze into your sleeve (rather than into your hand), dispose of used tissues immediately, and if possible, avoid face-to-face contact with people suffering from influenza.

Washing Your Hands Of It

The United Nations recently reported that finding bird flu in German waterfowl is a sign the disease is being transmitted by seemingly healthy ducks and geese.

If birds do not show symptoms of the disease it is almost impossible to isolate or eradicate it. Because of this, they warn, Europe should prepare for more outbreaks. The source of bird flu in Britain remains unknown. It has now spread to 60 countries.

The BBC News informs us the UK is doubling its stockpile of antiviral medicines, but researchers believe simple low-cost physical measures could potentially provide an important defence against a pandemic.

"Wash your hands, and if it is a really bad epidemic, avoid contact with people and keep your distance... Soap and water is cheap and it could save your life or your baby's life."

Rising Number of Incidents

A 31 year old man has died in of bird flu in Indonesia, bringing their death toll there to 91. It is yet unclear if the man contracted the disease by coming into contact with sick fowl or by another means.



Meanwhile, outbreaks of bird flu in fowl are now occurring on a farm in Llanfihangl Glyn Myfyr in North Wales, and in Suffolk, England.



Governments world wide continue vigilance in keeping track of outbreaks of bird flu in fowl, human illness and death due to bird flu, and viral mutations that allow transmission from human to human.



Authorities in all countries are concerned about the need for preparedness in their populations without inducing panic. They continue to urge pandemic planning for everyone including large business continuity planning to individual preparedness and personal hygiene precautions.