Prepare for H5N1 in Humans, per the World Health Organization (WHO)? H5N1, also known as Avian Influenza A, is a highly pathogenic avian flu that primarily affects birds but has also been reported to infect mammals, including sea lions, mink, and raccoons. In birds, it can have a high mortality rate, ranging from 50-90% depending on the strain and species of bird.
In humans, H5N1 has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19, with an estimated fatality rate of around 60%. Since its recognition in 1997, there have been over 1600 confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection, not less than 900 cases. Additionally, the term “Chinese Bird Flu” is not a commonly used term and may be misleading, as the virus has been reported in many countries globally. It has also been called “Bird Flu” or “Avian Flu”.
Prepare for H5N1 in Humans
It has recently come to light that the H5N1 strain of avian flu, which exists today in a more dangerous and lethal form, was created through the process of recombination between two different avian flu viruses. This occurrence happened when a bird became infected with two distinct flu strains, and they merged to form the new sub-variant. The emergence of this newer, deadlier strain of avian flu poses unique and formidable challenges.
Although measures such as quarantining flocks and protecting them from outside contamination can help, there remains the concern that the virus could potentially recombine with something like COVID-19, creating an even deadlier and more easily spread illness. The fear is that such a combination could result in a situation where the spread of the virus is beyond our ability to control, and we would be unable to prevent its spread among our fellow human beings.
The current situation with COVID-19 has gotten out of hand and is spreading rapidly. Fortunately, at its peak, the virus was only causing a death rate of up to 10% among those infected. However, the current mortality rate has decreased and is now estimated to be around 1.1% (Source).
Perfect Storm
The best way to Prepare for H5N1 in Humans, is to understand how it works. Individuals with severely compromised immune systems, such as those infected with HIV or taking immunosuppressive medications, have a much harder time fighting off viral infections like COVID-19 and its various sub-variants. This is why it is critical for these individuals to take extra precautions and protect themselves against viral exposure.
The difficulty in fighting off the virus in these immunocompromised individuals is likely a contributing factor to the emergence of new sub-variants of COVID-19. It is important to consider the potential consequences if such individuals were to become simultaneously infected with both COVID-19 and H5N1, as this combination could result in a much more severe illness.
Vaccines
In the early 2000s, an effort was made to create a vaccine against the H5N1 virus, which had the potential to cause a pandemic. However, as the virus continued to evolve, the previous vaccine was no longer effective against the newer variant of the virus.
Fortunately, a new and improved vaccine has been developed and tested in humans. This vaccine has been specifically created to target the current sub-variant of H5N1 in humans and provides a much stronger protection against the virus. It is essential to note that to effectively control the spread of the virus, it is crucial that the vaccine be taken by a large portion of the population.
The more people who take the vaccine, the more likely it is to control the spread of the virus and prevent other harsher sub-variants from emerging. We must take the threat of H5N1 seriously and not downplay it as some may suggest, preparing for H5N1 in humans!
Tip: If you are sick, wear an N95 mask to protect others (buy them now, while they are cheap again)!
Summary
Here’s a summary of the vaccine, for you (Source) that is reduced to layman’s terms:
A new vaccine against a potential pandemic strain of the influenza virus, called H5N1, has been tested and found to be effective in both younger and older adults, which will help prepare for H5N1 in humans. The study was conducted on 3196 participants and divided into two age groups: 18 to 64 years old and 65 and older. The vaccine was given in two doses, three weeks apart, and participants were monitored for safety for one year.
The study found that the vaccine was highly immunogenic and had a high antibody response against the H5N1 virus. The results of the study suggest that the vaccine could be effective in protecting people against a potential outbreak of the H5N1 virus, which can cause severe disease and does not normally infect humans.
Conclusion
Lamentably, there is only so much we can do to prepare for H5N1 in humans. Humans have a fallacy of not believing in science, and instead believing in conspiracy’s. As such, these individuals will increase the danger for us all, if they choose not to take an H5N1 vaccine if and when the avian flu can jump from human to human.
H5N1 Update 26 Feb 2023
We are aware of the cases in Cambodia, including the child who died (RIP). Thus far, there is no proof that the virus has achieved human to human (H2H) transfer. However, we will offer some suggestions in a future post on how best to protect yourself and your loved ones. We will cover the preps needed to help contain the virus, and keep you safe, should H5N1 achieve successful H2H.
