Backboards: 
Posts: 155
In response to "biology question..." by Mel Profit

don't confuse mutation with recombination. Mutation is normal and expected.

Recombination is a remix of several viruses, which is also normal. the problem is that the viruses that are getting mixed in are new to humans, so we have little natural resistance, and no vaccines against them. So you could start with normal Influenza A strain, and a bit of highly lethal bird flu could get in. That's the concern.

Some of hte bird flu cases in recent years have mutated to be resistant to antiviral drugs, which is a big concern. that's why I don't like doctors giving out antivirals to everyne who has the flu.


Responses:
Post a message   top
Replies are disabled on threads older than 7 days.