The avian flu virus H5N1 is considered a greater long-term threat than the swine flu virus H1N1 because __________.

• A. it is more readily transmitted between human hosts
• B. more people eat chicken meat than pork
• C. H5N1 is a DNA virus and the similarity of genome chemistry can promote greater virulence and therefore the likelihood of death in humans
• D. H5N1 has a greater tendency to become a prophage
• E. it has a significantly higher mortality rate

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: The avian flu virus H5N1 and the swine flu virus H1N1 are both influenza viruses that can affect humans. The problem is asking why H5N1 is considered a greater long-term threat compared to H1N1.
2. Identify the key differences between H5N1 and H1N1: H5N1 is known for having a significantly higher mortality rate compared to H1N1. This means that when people are infected with H5N1, the likelihood of severe illness or death is higher.
3. Evaluate the options provided: The options given include transmission between human hosts, dietary habits, genome chemistry, prophage tendency, and mortality rate. Consider which of these factors directly contributes to the threat level of the virus.
4. Focus on the mortality rate: The mortality rate is a critical factor in assessing the threat of a virus. A higher mortality rate means that the virus is more deadly, which is a significant concern for public health.
5. Conclude with the correct reasoning: The correct answer is that H5N1 has a significantly higher mortality rate, making it a greater long-term threat than H1N1. This is because the potential for severe outcomes in infected individuals is higher, posing a greater risk to human health.