Bird Flu

Identified in China in 2007, bird flu caused an international panic as this apparently merciless virus which originated in chickens had the potential to mutate, possibly killing thousands, even millions, of people. But how accurate was this picture? Was it a panic created by the media or a genuine threat against which we should protect ourselves immediately - and how can we do this? This book answers these questions and also investigates: the history of pandemics - and what was different about this one; the last great flu outbreak - the Spanish flu of 1919; what a virus is and how it spreads; how antiviral drugs and vaccines work; how the statistics of death rates are worked out; what the government's emergency plans are ... and much more. There is nothing to guarantee that the recent outbreak can be prevented from happening again. The best preparation that we can possible take is to be aware of how the disease operates. So whether you are worried about the implications of bird flu for you and your family, or you are simply interested in learn more than what you see and read in the media, this book is for you.