Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with avian

Youth and the avian flu

rmhsinc — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:39:55 -0800

Reasonable explanation why most victims of avian (and 1918) flu epidemic were young. The average age of the 160+ victims of the avian flu is in the early twenties with very very few over 50. I believe the statistics were similar for the flu pandemic in 1918. The avian flu might be explained by exposure but I do not think so. Does any one know of any credible scientific explanations as to why this occurs--genetic, status of immune system, etc.

Preparing to go to China

gttommy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 05:08:19 -0800

I'm going to China next year to study for 12 months. I am concerned about getting sick over there, particularly, contracting Avian Influenza (bird flu). My question is, how concerned should I be? I will be staying mostly in Hang Zhou, an ubranised area, as that is where the host uni will be, however I intend to do some travelling and sightseeing especially to rural areas.

My doctor told me I should be the anti-virus Tamiflu after arrival since it would be much cheaper than purchasing it here in Australia. Doe you know if it is as accessible and of the same quality?

What could I do as "prevention"? Eat only from clean-looking restaurants, avoid all poultry...?

Where do the birds go when it rains?

agropyron — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 12:38:55 -0800

BirdFeederFilter: When it's gloomy and rainy, I don't see any birds at my birdfeeder for days on end. Then as soon as it's sunny, they're all over the place. What gives? What do they do on rainy days, just forage near their nest? Don't birds gotta eat when it rains?

Avian flu != Regular Flu?

blue_beetle — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 23:09:54 -0800

Is regular flu vaccine effective against the avian flu?

Online pharmacies a scam?

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 11:16:21 -0800

Are online pharmacies a total scam? I'd like some tamiflu, but don't want my doctor to think I'm a tinfoil-hatted drug-seeking nutso. I have found several pharmacies that say they will sell me tamiflu, but then require that they contact my doctor. I have found other pharmacies that will sell it without prescription, but not to the USA. I don't really have a primary care doc right now, and even if I did I think I'd have trouble asking them for the scrip because I would be afraid that they would think I was being paranoid. Which I am. I'm cool with being paranoid, I just would like to buy a small amount of the stuff to keep in the cabinet just in case.

So -- any pharmacies that will sell it to me genuinely without a prescription? Have any of you done this? That kind of luck did you have?