Influenza A Risks
Swine flu, bird flu, Spanish flu, Asian flu, and most other named flu epidemics are caused by the influenza A virus. Both influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics, but the A type has additional potential to cause global pandemics.
Dr. Conall McCaughey of Royal Hospitals, Belfast, UK, provided a review. The names H1N1, H3N2, etc. refer to subtypes characterized by their surface proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
McCaughey listed eight recorded major outbreaks caused by influenza A:
1. In 1889, H2N2 pandemic, estimated deaths of 1 million.
2. In 1900, H3N2 pandemic, estimated deaths of < 1 million.
3. In 1918, H1N1 “Spanish” flu pandemic, estimated deaths 20 to 100 million.
4. In 1957, H2N2 “Asian” flu pandemic, estimated deaths 1 to 1.5 million.
5. In 1968, H3N2 “Hong Kong” flu pandemic, estimated deaths 0.75 to 1 million...
6. In 1977, H1N1 “Russian” flu, not a true pandemic, estimated deaths < 100,000.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!