Rhiza Labs FluTracker Forum

It won't be published without Dr Niman's approval / corrections.

Hi Dr Niman,

I am a physician in Los Angeles who registered on the forum today. I have been following your updates and commentaries very closely over the past several months, but have not made a post until now. I have found your intellect, knowledge and integrity to be unmatched in conveying information about the H1N1 virus.

Although I am in the medical field, I know very little about virology or genetics. But my question is : Does the D225G mutation on H1N1 increase the risk that a simple reassortment of H1N1 with H5N1 in a mutual host will by itself create a more virulent influenza strain? Or would a more complex recombination or would multiple other SNP's be necessary as well to produce a fit virus? It seems to me a reassortment between H5N1 & H1N1 might not be that dangerous without D225G because the resulting virus still can't bind to the alpha 2.3 sialic acid receptors on the surfactant producing type 2 alveolar epithelial cells in the lung necessary to cause more severe disease. But with D225G "in play", if H5N1 picks up a D225G HA from an H1N1 virus, or a D225G H1N1 virus picks up a PB2 from an H5N1 virus, that might be all it takes to produce a much deadlier strain.

It also seems strange that WHO is now warning (as of one or two days ago) about the risk of reassortment between H1N1 & H5N1 when most of their past risk assessments are seem much more conservative (eg there is no evidence at this time that the D225G polymorphism is spreading). I am wondering if WHO is trying to lay the groundwork for a development they now believe is likely to happen (or possibly already has). I know you are very busy and I appreciate your time in reading this post and considering my question.

-Bill

I saw on another thread that when you were asked about the WHO's statement warning of the reassortment risk of H1N1 & H5N1, you replied that the NA gene on one or more of the Ukraine sequences had an H5N1 marker. Does that mean H5N1 & H1N1 have already reassorted to produce a more virulent and fit virus, and the Ukraine strain is the result (I would assume one of many possible) ? And if so, does that mean that we likely will see more influenza strains emerge that are products of reassortments between H5N1 & H1N1 and that these new strains may be even more virulent? Thanks again for your time.

It seems as though there are many unknowns when it comes to the flu in the Ukraine, Norway, USA, etc. People get sick and get better and some people die and some stay sick for weeks. Is there any way a short consice summary could be given to let everyone know what is exactly going on. I am totally confused. Also what should I be doing living in the USA? Should I be preparing for an all out pandemic buying months worth of food? Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Sorry, on November 25, I posted it in the wrong place( D225E in Norway)

Dr. Niman, I always read that people older than 65 years would be protected by antibodies from previous viruses, which have some similarity with H1N1 in 2009. Same thing with "La Spagnola".
For some days, I'm thinking of another hypothesis, that is if they were the receptors that, upon aging people have different molecules from those of younger people, and then the attack of H1N1 in 2009 would not be possible? I know that antibodies were found earlier pandemic, including "The Spanish flu".
But it seems strange that almost, all the elderly have come into contact with virus-like subsidy-driven and that can have such a quantity of antibodies to protect them so well.
It has been ever made a study comparing the chemical receptor molecules of persons aged over 65 years, with those of younger people?
I would like to know if this assumption is too fanciful.
Thanks

I've read some articles about some h1n1 related deaths may be related to bacterial pneumonia rather than viral (which seems to be on the rise cnn - http://bit.ly/4XGrYS), do we know if the majority of severe cases are caused by viral or bacterial pneumonia? I'm just asking since we do have a well-tested vaccine for bacterial pneumonia that would seem to be a prudent precaution to perhaps take..

Dear Dr. Niman,

First time poster here, long time lurker and it's an honor to be able to come here and ask you a question. I thank you for all the time you devote to posting information here and I'll try to be succinct: This is a vaccine question: flumist or injection for my kids. My 12 year old may have had a mild case of swine flu in the spring, but my other 2 did not. The schools will be administering both forms soon and I need to decide which form they should receive. I've read a bit about OAS - enough to be just dangerously ignorant and concerned and this has prompted my question: should I be concerned as to which form I choose? I'm trying to articulate my question carefully so as not to present a situation where I seem to be asking you for medical advice. Rather, I'm trying to make an informed intelligent decision here and any insight would be most greatly appreciated.

Again, thank you so very much for sharing your time and your great work.

Lisa

Welcome to the board!

Have you asked your pediatrician or family doctor if there is any reason why they should *not* take flumist? There are definite groups of people who are not supposed to take it, and that can extend to otherwise healthy people who are in close contact with anyone who is not supposed to take it. Independent of whether or not OAS plays into this, those other issues may have to guide your decision.

_________________
I am not a doctor, virologist, or any of type of medical/life sciences professional.

I am a layman with a background in the physical sciences.

Thank you so much for welcoming me to the Board and for your reply. Yes, I'm waiting for feedback from the pediatrician's office too!

My best to you all,

Lisa

Hi Dr. Niman

I have a question about outbreaks of Gastroenteritis in the Netherlands and there is a possible change it's the Noro Virus. Today there is a school closed for a outbreak in Amsterdam. Also in the city where i'm living is an outbreak.

Could this have something to do with the H1N1 ?

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http://mexicaansegriep.uwstart.nl | http://twitter.com/H1N1Nederland