Doomed!! We're all doomed!!

It never ceases to amaze me how the media affects people. Bird flu is a case in point.

This morning a patient contacted me to say she had seen a dead duck the day before yesterday. Now she is feeling unwell. She is worried she has contracted bird flu. I take a deep breath, explain that she hasn't got it, and give the usual advice on how to deal with the symptoms of the common cold. But I don't blame her for being worried. How was she to know?

Only recently have the press started being less sensationalist about bird flu and its possible effects on humans. However, somewhat over-egged stories can still be seen in numerous tabloids such as this story in my favorite paper. The BBC has generally been more circumspect, providing a more balanced view of things.

For myself, I am more sanguine: bird flu will inevitably reach the uk. This is not the disaster people think. It is part of the natural order of things. At some point, this virus or another will make the transition to human from whatever it's current host is and we will see another global pandemic.

But there is no need to panic. Admittedly they started slowly, but worldwide, governments are finally starting to take the threat seriously. There have been moves afoot to develop a vaccine for some time, but only recently have governments started to take an interest.

So what can you do to stop yourself getting bird flu? Not much to be honest. But don't worry. At the moment you are significantly more likely to die as a result of an asteroid strike on the Earth.

Normal flu on the other hand is doing the rounds. Advice on flu and managing the symptoms can be found here.

Next patient please...