Bird Flu

Avian Influenza Flu or Bird Flu is a viral infection that is caused by the bird flu virus also known as the H5N1 virus.Scientists believe that all flu viruses are derived from wild birds.  The wild birds carry the viruses inside their intestines. The virus is contracted through contact with saliva, nasal secretions and feces of the wild  birds.The virus is also transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials.Once infected, domestic birds either exhibit the “low pathogenic” form which is a milder form of the flu which sometimes goes undetected causing only mild symptoms or the “high pathogenic” form which rapidly spreads through flocks causing death.

The avian bird flu virus is very contagious among the wild birds but is generally not lethal.  However, once it infects domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys it is lethal.The Avian influenza virus is an Influenza Type A (virus similar to the human flu virus)  found mainly in birds but this particular subtype (H5N1) of virus has recently been infecting the human population.  However the risk for human infection is currently low.

The bird flu virus is transmitted through birds and humans.Let’s go through the symptoms found in birds and humans.   These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.The symptoms for those birds with a mild case include ruffled feathers and a decrease in egg production. In a severe case, however, birds will generally die within 48 hours as the virus systematically shuts down various organs within the bird's body.In order to become infected with bird flu, a bird must come into contact with the excretions from a contaminated bird. This can include direct contact as well as contact with materials or other items that came in contact with the excretions. 

Symptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the strain of virus.Once a person is infected by the H5N1 virus it takes two to eight days before the disease symptoms are observed.The first symptoms the infected individual feels are the typical flu like symptoms; high temperatures above 38C, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and nose and gum bleeding.The common symptom seen in most of infected individuals is respiratory distress.This is perceived as difficulty breathing and a crackling sound in the chest when the infected individual inhales.The kidney and heart also start to fail in some individuals and lastly leading to death.

            

            Different types of avian flu virus may cause different symptoms. A person exhibiting bird flu symptoms must undergo testing in order to confirm that the illness is the result of a bird flu virus.In general, treatment with the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may make the disease less severe if start taking the medicine within 48 hours after symptoms start. Oseltamivir may also be prescribed for persons who live in the same house as  those diagnosed with avian flu.The virus that causes human avian flu appears to be resistant to the antiviral medicines amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore these medications should not be used if an H5N1 outbreak occurs.People with severe infection may need to be placed on a breathing machine. Experts recommend that persons diagnosed with avian flu be put in isolation.

        The best way to get rid of bird flu is to prevent the virus. In case we have to travel to the region where bird flu has spread than we should follow some medical recommendations.

•             Domesticated birds should be avoided

           In case have to be in rural areas then try  level best to avoid coming in contact with the domestic animals and farm houses.

           

•           Open air markets must be avoided

            Must have an urge for visiting and enjoying the local aroma but should avoid such places as the risk factor of getting infected is very high.

•            Wash hands

           A consistent habit of washing hands is very helpful. It helps in keeping infections at  an arm’s length. Hand sanitizers that have at least 60 per cent alcohol are best for  using abroad as they do not ask for water and offer no dangers to children.

•          Steer clear of raw eggs

Bird droppings often contaminate eggs should avoid all those foods that contain raw or uncooked eggs like mayonnaise, ice cream, and hollandaise sauce.

•         Cooking thoroughly

World Health Organization (WHO) considers that cooked food is not harmful for human beings and offer no risks of bird flu. Should not stop cooking before the internal temperature of meet reaches 165 F or 74 C.

As for the conclusion, we feel that all of us should be mentally prepared for a global pandemic of the influenza to occur. According to experts of the influenza virus, as a global pandemic of the influenza virus has not occurred in this century, there is a high possibility for one to occur within the next couple of years and a global pandemic is bound to occur – it is just a matter of time for the influenza to develop a new strain.Although human infection of the avian influenza virus is often associated with people who have close contact with poultry, the deadly avian influenza virus is constantly growing and developing over the course of time by antigenic drift and antigenic shift. We have yet to fully understand the influenza virus and its impact in humans. However, for the rest of us, we should be constantly on the look out and on our guards to be regularly updated about the current situation of the influenza virus so that we will not be panicking our lives in times of danger.