Most of us do not live so near living birds that we are likely to come in touch with their bodily discharges. Hence the chances of direct spread of the bird flu virus to us is relatively low. Most of us eat well, exercise often, wash our hands and cover our coughs. We may take such simple things for granted, but they have played huge roles in keeping SARS, encephalitis and other illnesses away from our shores. These diseases have brought much misery to people who do not enjoy the social benefits that come with our material prosperity. This is not an absolute situation: travelers from affected parts of Asia could introduce the bird flu virus to the United States. Professionals from our neighborhoods have occasion to visit and work in virus affected parts of the world, and may return as silent carriers, if not afflicted outright by contagious spread.
It is likely that the avian influenza virus does exist in some parts of the US, though it has fortunately kept an invisible profile until now. The authorities deserve credit for observing quarantine and hygiene without variation all over the many potential points of entry in to the country. It is likely that the original virus that lives in birds, and that has attacked humans in Asia, hides in our continent in slightly modified form. The genetic pattern of the human flu virus which does hit us each winter is very similar to that of the bug that causes the bird flu. Americans need to be vigilant and to monitor the movement and spread of the avian influenza virus. The US has an active role in the international effort to contain infection, disease and fatalities due to the highly potent pathogen.