Asia, Africa, and Europe are continuing to experience the devastating effects of a novel avian influenza (bird flu) virus H5N1. The current unremitting spread of this highly virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu throughout much of the eastern hemisphere gives definite cause for concern. Each year we are observing an increase in human cases and deaths from H5N1. Most sobering is the case fatality ratio of over 60 percent. In other words, more than half of those who contract the H5N1 virus die.
What does all this mean to us, our families, and our communities? Preparedness is the responsibility of everyone. Preparedness increases chances of survival during an emergency. Although some of our best defenses against the consequences of an influenza pandemic are to plan and prepare, we also need to practice and teach our children behaviors that will reduce the spread of the influenza virus. The non-medical intervention behaviors that we put in place on a personal and community-wide level are critical in our attempts to reduce the levels of exposure and infection not just in the event of a pandemic but during seasonal influenza outbreaks.
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