Risk benefit assessments needed for H5N1 Bird Flu research

Risk benefit assessments needed before H5N1 Bird Flu experiments continue.

Approximately 9 months ago, a voluntary moratorium on Bird Flu research went into effect to allow scientists time to figure out how to conduct research without the findings falling into the hands of terrorists or others who might create bio-terrorism strains.

Right now, H5N1 ("Bird Flu") rarely is transmitted to humans; when it does, it is often times fatal.  So, studying the potential for mutations of this strain are reasonable, with the goal of developing ways to protect the public.  But, creating dangerous mutations in the lab raises the specter of potential accidental releases of the mutations.  And publishing research on these mutations also poses a potential risk in making it easier for terrorists to create their own mutations.

The LA Times reports that key players in the debate have weighed in.  But, things are currently at a standstill. 

Our take:

While it is important that research continue, reasonable steps should be taken to protect the public. 

Perhaps a registry of influenza scientists can be created, with only authorized scientists given access to the most risky information.  More general information (minus dangerous details) can be made available to the public on the findings of the research. 

While it may seem anti-democratic to guard scientific knowledge, we see this as no different than withholding information on “how to build a bomb.”   Sharing scientific knowledge is important and one of the best ways to quickly find solutions.  But, true influenza researchers should have no problem with safeguarding the public while at the same time sharing key data with only those who are working to find answers to this complex challenge.

More evidence why you might not want that flu shot (Hyman, Huff Post)

If you are paying attention, you should know by now that most of the recommendations for getting the flu vaccine are based on hype, hope and hysteria (along with a little industry propaganda, thrown in for good measure). But, Mark Hyman, of Huffington Post, knocks it out of the box, with his blog post: "Flu Shots: Panacea or Propaganda?"

Along with evidence provided by Flu Crazy (see: should you get the flu shot, probably not), Hymans note provides facts that show flu vaccines have NOT been proven to reduce person-to-person transmission of the flu or complications from pneumonia.

Also, research funded by industry paints a glowing picture of flu vaccines (and garners most of the attention), while publicly-funded research does just the opposite (and is widely ignored).

Our (easy) prediction: Hyman will be branded "crazy" and "dangerous." That's what he gets for citing the literature and providing a reasoned, non-hysteric analysis.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/flu-shots-panacea-or-prop_b_831696.html