I've heard this before, and I really really hope that's incorrect. Luckily right now it appears to be blatant, wild speculation that cytokine storms are causing the deaths in Mexico.
Want to have a few sleepless nights? Google the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918. Something like that happening today could cause unbelievable amounts of damage.
I've heard reports that the most common fatalities have been 18-45 year olds -- is this flu actually somehow more deadly to people within those ages? Isn't it normally the young and the old that have the worst time?
It's because of the strong immune response leading to cytokine storm. Normally it's weaker immune system in older people and the very young that are suceptible to pathogens, but in cases where the immune system is working against itself, young/healthy people are in danger more than they would be from normal pathogens.
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Correct.
Not yet. The flu is highly seasonal and it is likely this strain will have died out by then. Historically the most dangerous strains (particularly 1918 Spanish flu) have appeared at the end of the previous flu season. The 1918 Spanish flu first happened in April 1918 spread some, and between July and August the cases were few and far between. When normal flu season came back around the strain was back and so intense it wiped out 195,000 Americans in October alone.
That's another reason why this is causing so much concern. If it's spreading this rapidly in it's least favorable conditions, what will happen when conditions are more favorable to its ability to spread? Fortunately the WHO is reporting this strain is responsive to Tamiflu, on the downside there was a particularly nasty strain in Dallas, Texas this year that was completely unresponsive to Tamiflu opening the possibility for cross "breeding."
Keep in mind I don't want anyone to live in fear or be panicked about this. At this point it is certainly a threat but not one of grave concern. Travel and plans centered around large gatherings should be avoided, but otherwise live life as you normally would. If you don't have a small stock of non-perishable items, I would probably build one up over the next few months. It's smart to have one whether this happens or not.
- Jul 17, 2004
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I'll forward that question on to the pandemic guy this evening. I've heard mixed opinions.
The age group for the deaths as well as the doctor's reports coming from Mexico both support this thesis.
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Last time there was that SARS thing going on and Canada was deeply affected. I took a trip during that time to my family in Toronto which kind of pissed off some workers at my company. I don't know who but someone reported their concerns to HR (probably feared for their lives).
Before leaving, I had called the CDC and they had told me that it was fine for me to travel. As for Cabo however, the CDC is discouraging any pleasure or non-essential trips to Mexico so I'll stay put I guess.
The key factor that made the 1918 flu so bad.. was because it was f'ing 1918.
People need to relax. Is that anything more than complete speculation? i.e. "Well, young adults are dying, and when it has happened before..." The young adults here in the US have had absolutely no problem handling the infection. It seems like a lot more must be looked at regarding these "young deaths" before people start druming up a cytokine storm craze .. like.. Mexico City is a shithole.. co-morbidities.. etc.. etc.. Can we give the epidemiologists some time?
Sure, they'll prevent you from inhaling droplets. Of course, they could still be on your skin/in your eyes/etc... so wash well, wear a mask, and throw some shades on and you'll be gravy.
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