Swine flu

[Capsid]

A virus is not 'age specific' It's only being around for what 7 days - and they can predict the age range it will affect, no I don't think so

No one has predicted the age range. The analysis is retrospective. The virus has probably been around since the beginning of April.

[di]

A virus is not 'age specific' It's only being around for what 7 days - and they can predict the age range it will affect, no I don't think so

Don't think they're saying that only peeps in that age range will get it...just that they will be affected worse???

Anyone see the budget???

[MrsC]

So, how do you know when this virus appeared and are you involved in the pharmaceutical industry in some capacity and also, where did you get your info from?

A doctor has admitted that this particular strain was manufactured in a lab, this is from Sue's husband Paul.

This and a number of other viruses are cultured in labs and have been for a number of years.

Thanks


Paul

[Capsid]

I'm a scientist and work on viruses, so I'm interested and know a bit about influenza.

Can you provide any more information about the strain being manufactured in a lab? That is quite difficult to do.

Culturing viruses is quite easy to do however, influenza for example is grown in chicken eggs.

[MrsC]

As you are involved in the scientific study of viruses, can you explain why this strain is a culmination of 4 separate flu strains and what happened to the previous strains, as far as I was led to believe there has to be a lineage of mutation for it to achieve this status. Why was there such a jump from one strain, I.E bird flu to this strain containing four separate viral entities, what happened to the previous mutations of this virus?

Thanks


Paul

[Samwise]

Wow, this has turned into a full on debate! I wait with baited breath for each new installment

[Capsid]

As you are involved in the scientific study of viruses, can you explain why this strain is a culmination of 4 separate flu strains and what happened to the previous strains, as far as I was led to believe there has to be a lineage of mutation for it to achieve this status. Why was there such a jump from one strain, I.E bird flu to this strain containing four separate viral entities, what happened to the previous mutations of this virus?

Thanks


Paul

Influenza viruses can recombine when they infect animals and they swap their proteins when they replicate. This isn't mutation it's called reassortment. In this case it seems the pig has been the mixing pot of a human, bird and pig influenza viruses which has resulted in a new reassorted virus.

Reassortment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/a...sub_frames.htm

[zazen999]

Me too....I lost the thread after the 'night nurse won't help' bit...but it is extremely interesting [for once, I am being 100% serious].

It's gone completely mental on Swine Flu over here...and are debating whether to keep calling it that as people are now stopping imports of USA pork.

I'm still feeling pretty rough - the sore throat is gone to be replaced by extreme fatigue...but it is the extreme heat that's done that, along with the allergies. I'm thinking the lack of focus isn't helping me to digest any of the info on the last few pages....I am feeling like they will cart me off to the medical rooms if I so much as sniff or sneeze on the subway/bus.....it really is panic stations here.

[Samwise]

Oh dear! Sounds pretty bad over there, I hope you feel better soon the allergies can't be helping, I've heard rumors that people are panic buying everything here already. Feeling a bit nauseous but that's probably cos I gobbled my dinner down too fast!

[SarzWix]

I find it all fascinating Thanks for all that info Capsid. I did quite a bit of research on immune responses after I had a hellish reaction to some psoriasis medication. It's a very complex subject, and there are quite a lot of illnesses caused by inappropriate immune system responses, psoriasis being one of them.

From my limited understanding of the subject; the virus doesn't only 'attack' certain age groups, it doesn't discriminate! The difference is that stronger immune systems (usually young adults) may over-react to the virus and cause additional problems and therefore possible death, whereas people with a weaker immune system (elderly & children) may not have the over-reaction so therefore no additional problems and are more likely to survive.

Personally, I can't see any point in flapping about it, if it happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't!

[zazen999]

I agree Sarz....I have enough problems with my ridiculously overactive allergy responses - if it happens it does but here's hoping!!!

Plus, I've got a greenhouse arriving on Saturday so I've got to be well....those tomatoes won't rehouse themselves will they???

[FionaH]

I've heard rumors that people are panic buying everything here already.

That will be because the NHS website is advising people to stock up with two weeks supplies of food and flu remedies!

Many thanks to Nog and especially Capsid for informative and patient explanations. Its been very interesting and much more informative than the stuff on the TV!

As I said in an earlier post, I cant affect the spread of a pandemic by worrying so Im off to pot up my peppers

[StephenH]

all i'm thinking is the plot line from "Survivors"...................

Well, at least grow-your-owners would have a useful skill - assuming we survived the plague, of course...

[FionaH]

Well, at least grow-your-owners would have a useful skill - assuming we survived the plague, of course...

And we still have bees.................

[SlugLobber]

There's one pig of a girl working in one of our labs. Could she be the origin of swine flu?? Funny how some bright spark normally points the finger at some scientist or other, without actually knowing one end of a pipette from the other...

Don't you just love the media? They wonder why I don't buy papers!