Forget Ebola-what about the flu?

[Karl Fischer]

In article <3htmid$p4s at ixnews2.ix.netcom.com>, squan at ix.netcom.com (Steve
Quan) wrote:
<Stuff deleted>

>Isn't that a virus that mutates every year?  

Not sure...let me check my calendar ;-) 

Variations which arise to present as "new" or "novel" to one's immune
system occurs all the time...not just on an annual cycle as you might
imply.

> Given enough time couldn't it mutate into something really new? 

Define what you mean by "really new" - more pathogenic, broadened host
range, new or different tissue tropism?????

>Added to the enormous amount of modern travel it would certainly spread
>quickly.

Not just influenza but all infectious agents which do not require a
specific vector for transmission (eg. insect, arthropod)....Ahhhh...better
dissemination through technology.

Cheers

Karl

-- 
Karl Fischer
kfischer at gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
tyr-2 at bones.biochem.ualberta.ca