H7N9 is a type of bird flu. It can pass from birds to humans. A disease that can pass from an animal to a human is called a zoonotic disease. H7N9 rarely passes from one person to another.
Fast facts on H7N9 bird flu:
Here are some key points about the H7N9 bird flu. More detail is in the main article.
Here are some key points about the H7N9 bird flu. More detail is in the main article.
- H7N9 is a bird flu virus. It does not normally affect humans.
However, the virus has mutated or changed, and it has become able affect some humans. - Humans do not have immunity to new viruses, and this is why a new virus is dangerous.
- Early symptoms include a fever, headache, and a cough. Pneumonia can then develop.
- Avoiding birds and poultry markets, especially when traveling, can reduce the risk of catching H7N9.
Vitamin D Is More Effective Than Flu Vaccine, Study Says
Excerpt from article by Dr. Mercola
February 27, 2017
Mounting research suggests vitamin D deficiency may actually be a major cause of influenza. People with the lowest vitamin D levels report having significantly more colds or cases of the flu.
Scientific review confirms vitamin D optimization boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu. Among people with vitamin D blood levels below 10 ng/mL, taking a supplement cut risk of respiratory infection by 50 percent.
To prevent influenza in one person, 40 people must receive the flu vaccine whereas one case of the flu can be prevented for every 33 people taking vitamin D. If you’re severely vitamin D deficient, vitamin D supplementation is 10 times more effective than the flu vaccine.
If it's very low, you may need 8,000 to 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3 per day in order to reach and maintain a clinically relevant level of 45 to 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The only way to know how much you need is to get tested at least once or twice each year.
If you've been supplementing for some time and your levels are still below 45 ng/mL, you then know you have to increase your dose further. If using an oral supplement, also make sure to boost your vitamin K2 and magnesium intake, as these nutrients help optimize vitamin D levels.
If you've been supplementing for some time and your levels are still below 45 ng/mL, you then know you have to increase your dose further. If using an oral supplement, also make sure to boost your vitamin K2 and magnesium intake, as these nutrients help optimize vitamin D levels.
By Dr. Mercola
