Avian Flu - The Next Pandemic?

We all know about H1N1 alias Swine Flu. Do you know what H5N1 or Avian Flu is?

What Is Avian Flu?

H5N1. This string of numbers and letters - representing a strain of avian influenza, or bird flu - has the international public health community deeply concerned. Avian Flu is often spread by migratory birds.In recent years, sporadic cases of bird flu have affected poultry. This Flu is most ominous when the virus mutates to affect humans, and this is what seems to have happened. The alarm bell began to ring when people came in contact with the infected chicken and fell ill immediately. This was the first major case of Avian Flu. The the World Health Organization (WHO) took note of this situation and took some timely preventive measures.There are several strains of avian influenza but the bird flu poses the greatest threat to humans.Though bird flu generally does not infect humans, several cases have been reported since 1997. Because of its unique ability to mutate rapidly and acquire genes from viruses infecting other animal species, bird flu is very dangerous.

If the virus starts spreading sporadically the situation may become dire. Many experts predict a worldwide epidemic that could rival the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the increase in modern air travel, the virus could spread throughout the world in a matter of weeks or days.

Eventually Science will come up with a vaccine to contain the pandemic, but will everyone have the comfort of getting this vaccine right away. Tragically, such a situation holds the potential to intensify the divisions between the world's rich and poor. While wealthier nations would have access to limited supplies of vaccines and antiviral drugs, the poor would suffer for lack of treatment.

Blogging!!!

Hi All,

Blogging has been something that I wanted to do for quite some time now but never really got started.The only reason for this would be lack of time and laziness.I should have made this a habit while I was doing my Engineering but it never happened. Nevertheless its better late than never.

I have named my blog "Spiked Punch". There is no particular reason for this. I found this title catchy and I stuck to it. Guys let me know if this name is alright. I'm planning to blog on topics related to Sport,Business,Globalization,Networking and Entertainment . I will try and make it as interesting as possible. Please do read them and give me your honest feedback.

Just to give you guys an update I am on vacations in Hyderabad. Reached here on 25th and saw two movies 3 Idiots and Avatar. Back to Back shows. 3 Idiots was simply amazing. Raj Kumar Hirani has again delivered a message in this movie and its a laugh riot.This movie deals with the flaws in our education system. Aamir Khan steals the show with his brilliant acting. Mahavan and Sharman Joshi the other 2 idiots do justice to their roles. This movie is a must watch. Will give it 4/5. Coming to the next movie Avatar. I was reading Avatar's review on The Hindu and it said 'Catch your next train to Hyderabad and watch it on the IMAX screen'.I must admit that I was lucky to watch this movie on the IMAX screen. Brilliant picturization and it was an enthralling two and a half hours. Pandora was simply captivating though there was no great emphasis on story. You should watch it for the effects and the subtle message it had. Will give this movie also a 4/5. Well done James Cameroon.I Came back home that night hoping that none of the Telangana activists create havoc. Fortunately nothing happened and things are slowly getting back to normal in Hyderabad.The situation might get worse if The Congress party does not issue a statement in favor of the Telangana.

The weather in Hyderabad is really cold. The temperature in the night is 12 degrees. Must admit that I am freezing to death. You can not step out after 6 PM without a sweat shirt. Having a relatively low temperature is fine but the feeling of no warmth and cold winds is not great. I sympathize for my friends in the United Sates.

Ok guys I'm going to sign off now. Will try and post something tomorrow. Sayanora