Can Avian Flue Became Human Flu?

Can Avian Flu Become Human Flu?

Though there have been over 100 deaths reported worldwide due to H5N1 transmitted to humans, the primary concern is not that this strain will be a significant danger. In its present form, avian flu is not highly infective to humans, and it is unlikely to be transferred from person to person if it is contracted. This makes the risk of the spread of disease in humans limited. Humans may contract avian flu if they come into contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood.

The concern is that the avian flu H5N1 will undergo a reassortment whereby it will mix genetic codes with another strain of Influenza that is easily transferable to humans. This reassortment could occur if a host was infected with multiple strains of Influenza including H5N1. Though H5N1 is not easily transmittable to humans, in the few cases that have been reported, the mortality rate is approximately 50%. If the virus mutates to increase the transferability between humans, it may have the potential to cause hundreds of millions of deaths worldwide. It is because of this very real possibility of a new strain of Influenza A that governments, international organizations and the private sector are working together to develop a response plan.