Weather patterns could influence flu pandemics
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Changes in a weather pattern cycle could be to linked to deadly flu pandemics, say experts.
US scientists have found that the last four pandemics - in 1918, 1957, 1958 and 2009 - all occurred after La Nina events, which bring cool waters to the surface of the eastern Pacific.
The Daily Mail reports that the change in sea temperature, which can drop by as much as three to five degrees celsius, is known to alter the migratory patterns of birds, which are thought to be major carriers of the flu virus.
A research team at Columbia University and Harvard School of Public Health said that these changes in migration patterns can promote the development of dangerous new strains if two existing strains infecting an animal come into contact and exchange genetic material.
Researchers say that other studies show that the La Nina pattern alters the migration, stopover time, fitness and interspecies mixing of migratory birds.
This all supports the gene swapping - or genetic reassortment - that can allow new variations of the flu virus to mutate.
Co-author Dr Jeffrey Shamon, from Columbia University, says: "We know that pandemics arise from dramatic changes in the influenza genome.
"Our hypothesis is that La Nina sets the stage for these changes by reshuffling the mixing patterns of migratory birds which are a major reservoir for influenza."
However The Independent reports that although La Nina may make a pandemic more likely, it isn't enough to cause it.
Many other La Nina events, which occur on a two- to seven-year cycle - have not been followed by a pandemic, which indicates that other factors must be involved.
Have you had a flu jab this year? Let us know below...
Click on the image below to find out how to boost your immune system...
- Exercise regularly<p> Regular moderate exercise helps stimulate the lymphatic system which ensures the efficient removal of bodily toxins; in addition, exercise like cycling, jogging, walking or swimming can help you relax and reduces stress, which is also known to weaken your immunity. A study found that brisk walking for at least 20 minutes a day helped reduce chances of catching a cold. In addition to exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high blood pressure are also beneficial for your immunity.</p> <div> </div>
- Wash your hands<p> So simple yet so effective, regular hand washing does play a role in reducing the spread of bacteria during cold and flu season (so it's important to keep it up even if your hands are <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/16/winter-skin-bargain-buys/" target="_self">dry and flaky from winter winds</a>). A study found that soap and water (and alcohol-based hand sanitisers) reduced the germ count on health care workers' hands by 58 per cent after 30 seconds of washing. Just note that while hand sanitiser does kill many bugs, it isn't very effective against norovirus, that nasty winter vomiting bug.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div>
- Get some rays<p> Scientists have found that vitamin D can be crucial in boosting the immune system, particularly in helping the body to fight off serious infections. Get a daily dose from the sun (even on a cloudy day) or in vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, salmon and mackerel.</p>
- Stop smoking<p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; ">If you're still not convinced it's time to stop smoking, cigarettes can also hinder your immunity because they affect the health of blood vessels, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. In addition, smoking puts you at a higher risk for respiratory infections.</span></p>
- Sleep well<p> The immune system is more vulnerable when the body is sleep-deprived since a good night's snooze allows time for our organs to replenish themselves. Aim for eight hours a night. Quality of sleep is also thought to be important for helping the immune system thrive, so reducing alcohol intake may help you achieve an optimal night of rest.</p>
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