How is avian flu different than the “normal” flu?
Avian flu is different from our “normal” seasonal flu, because it is a
new strain that humans have not yet been exposed. Because of this lack of
exposure, little or no resistance currently exists in any population group
regardless of age or health. These factors contribute to the potential for a
pandemic.
The strain currently circulating (H5N1) was first identified in Hong Kong
in 1997, and most commonly infects and spreads among birds.
The virus does
not yet easily spread from person to person; however, influenza viruses are
constantly changing and may adapt over time to infect and spread among
humans.
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