Did you or someone in the family line have a SERIOUS Flu?
It can lead to many autoimmune metabolic issues

brain tumors, cancers, birth defects 

Regarding 'the Bird Flu' ...
Says an expert, "The 'bird flu' being discussed now is one in which the healthy immune system of the able bodied ... attacks the lungs..." goes autoimmune BIG time.  Maybe they just don't notice effects of 'the other' ... until the immune system is about worn out from over activity?  If you had diabetes or serious FATIGUE that no rest helps ... start up after 'flu-like' symptoms,  maybe you were overexposed to a chemical like 2-butoxyethanol.  Maybe you were poisoned.  What were you doing right then?