How do humans contract bird flu and how lethal is it?
The lethal H5N1 strain of avian influenza which is causing concern can only be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds. But scientists are concerned that the virus could mutate into a form which can spread from person to person. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include a sore throat, aching muscles, lethargy, eye infections, breathing problems and chest pain. In its most aggressive form, it leads to pneumonia and multiple organ failure. What about a vaccination? As a vaccine cannot be developed until the pandemic strain emerges, it would take time before the first immunisations could take place. Scientists have developed a generic H5N1 avian flu vaccine which could lessen the impact. Anti-viral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can lessen the severity of the illness and save lives. The Government is stockpiling 14.6 million courses of these. In the event of a pandemic, there are also plans to vaccinate the whole British population which would require doses each. Can it be
