Question on Bird Flu - Is there a vaccine as yet?

[McKenzie]

Or is anyone aware of a vaccine that is under development?

Depending on what the current position is I might post something later about vaccines. I have found an article that makes me a tad suspicious.


<edit> speling

[Deep13]

1. Don't think so.

A human to human form does not yet exist, or at least has not been reported.

[meisje]

2. There is a test vaccine

but George Bush wants you to sign an oath to the republican party before he will give it to you!

[trotsky]

3. Supposedly an experimental one, developed by the DoD.

Don't know if it's been shown effective yet.

[Spinzonner]

4. Yes and No

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg18825215.900

More info:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/bird-flu

[woodsprite]

5. My dr. friend says that Tamiflu is your

best bet right now. It's not guaranteed, but better than not having one at all. He also stressed washing hands (sing the ABC song 2x thru while washing to make sure you washed long enough - even if there is no soap, water is better than nothing). Don't share things like waterbottles, etc. Use public facilities (phones, bathrooms, etc) sparingly, if you really have to. Cough or sneeze into your shoulder, not into your fist or hand. Instruct your family to do the same.

He said that he realistically doesn't see a vaccine, if it IS developed in the near future, to be available for this season for more than the required health professionals, emergency contact people. In his opinion, there is so much dickering over patents, money, rights, etc. that the public good is a side interest.

He's been in this field for years and is in infectious disease control at John's Hopkins, so he should know what he's talking about.

[abluelady]

6. Surprise, surprise!

"In his opinion, there is so much dickering over patents, money, rights, etc. that the public good is a side interest."