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H5N8
- Thread starter Jeff Grossman
- Start date
Just to add some SFJoe-ian context here, the H refers to hemagglutanin and the N to neuraminidase, the two proteins found on the outer surface of the influenza virus (neuraminidase is also the target of Tamiflu, the breakthrough antiviral effective at combating flu). Various flu strains are characterized by their H and N isoforms. The H5 isoform of hemagglutanin is rare, so few people have antibodies raised against it, making H5 strains more virulent. Fortunately, H5N8 is relatively mild for humans, but tragic for birds. Because this is the first outbreak since '83, no antibodies exist in the population, hence part of the problem.
Mark Lipton
Mark Lipton
Jeff Grossman
Jeff Grossman
Can't we just air-drop them some extra Duckie Kleenex?
Chris Coad
Chris Coad
I have never, in my entire life, had the flu.
Is this why I'm getting calls from Army researchers again?
Ugh. The blood draws are exhausting, but I'll do my duty.
Is this why I'm getting calls from Army researchers again?
Ugh. The blood draws are exhausting, but I'll do my duty.
originally posted by Chris Coad:
I have never, in my entire life, had the flu.
You don't know what you're missing.
Chris Coad
Chris Coad
originally posted by MarkS:
originally posted by Chris Coad:
I have never, in my entire life, had the flu.
You don't know what you're missing.
I've read about it. Sounds grim.