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matthewdavidhealy@gmail.com's avatar

So far bird flu isn't spreading among humans or pigs, and the virological details suggest it would need multiple mutations in multiple genes to do so. But if it does evolve the ability to spread in pigs that would be ominous because pigs have often been the "mixing vessels" where avian, bovine, and human strains swap genes to create a new pandemic strain.

We should be monitoring pigs with great urgency and intensity so we learn right away if this virus becomes able to spread in pigs.

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

Monitoring is really the answer. Vigilance. Thank you !

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NtrLvr's avatar

I feel this is an extremely ambiguous question. I answered "Alot" because of the devastation this virus has done to wildlife. Both birds and mammals.

The human implications have not concerned me yet. However, I would say monitoring porcine infection levels is critical.

I am a retired veterinarian .

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

One thing I’ve learned (I already knew it, but this has confirmed it) is that writing short poll questions is a lot harder than it may seem—especially with a limited character count! 🤯

Thank you. I agree with your view!

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John Fontaine, Phm's avatar

I missed this wk's poll, late reading what's in my inbox. I'm somewhat concerned about "avian influenza" given the obstacles with obtaining accurate information & the push back from the "farmers"... to be appreciated. But if the situation evolves to more human infections, the "farmers" are truly those 1st exposed.

If cars/trucks are advertised in so many TV commercials why can't we communicate public health concerns more effectively?

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John Fontaine, Phm's avatar

I am surprised by the 60% plus who responded to last wk's poll, who don't consume alcohol or infrequently. It's not that I doubt the sincerity of the respondants yet not the frequency of the larger population. Perhaps this group is more enlightened, in that less is better.

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

Yeah this readership is pretty health conscious, I’ve found.

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Rick's avatar

On the H5N1 front, I'm not concerned personally. Given our track record (HIV, SARS-2) and recent trends in politicizing public health, can't say I'm optimistic about what might happen if inter-human transmission shows up. I checked 'a little' in the survey.

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

Yeah I mean we are at least ahead of SARS2...in that we see it before it is has caused much human disease. Hopefully that remains the case.

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Terry Hannigan's avatar

I loved your comment about Carter Mecher. We were colleagues in the VA Atlanta Network Office in the late ‘90’s. He’s a delight.

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

Right? He's someone I go to when I have ideas. And he continues to have interesting ones.

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Robin Jordan's avatar

Questions for Dr F to comment on :

What do you as reasons to go to the ER? How does an individual decide?

so many friends hesitate- yet are elderly and have certain risks, and clinically have definite symptoms of concern. ..I some cases an ER is 30 minutes away. Calling an ambulance at least brings eyes and ears to the situation by an EMT

Do you see abuse of ERs with insignificant illnesses?

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Jeremy Faust, MD's avatar

This is an extremely tough question to answer. I would not use the word "abuse" but I understand what you are saying. As Lewis Goldfrank used to say when patients without "real" emergencies came to the Bellevue ER, "what is the problem IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM that brought this patient in today?" Most people would rather be anywhere but the ER, I find.

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