Why Bird Flu is Seen as a Potential Health Risk to Humans
The Avian Flu, also known as the Asian Bird Flu or Influenza A (H5N1), is a zoological viral strain that has crossed the species barrier and is now threatening further mutation and a subsequent world pandemic. Influenza A strains infect only avian and mammal species while influenza B and C strains infect only humans. Most human influenza strains encounter higher levels of immunity among the human population and are less virulent because they have been around for longer periods and world populations have developed necessary immunity. Conversely, Influenza A (H5N1), after undergoing an antigenic shift (crossing the species barrier), presents an entirely new threat because the human population has no previous immunity or resistance to this flu. Strains that have mutated in this way, and become transmittable between humans, have been the cause of every previous flu epidemic or pandemic for the last 300 years. Researchers suggest that a if global pandemic of Influenza A (H5N1) mimicked the pandemic of 1918-1919, the death toll could reach between 150 and 300 million people. Influenza A (H5N1) was discovered in 1996 thru an outbreak in the domestic poultry industry in Hong Kong. During 2003 and 2004 over 100 million birds died of [...]
Spread the message of swine flu to everyone
Spread the message of swine flu to everyone. Dr.Kedar Karki A June 10, 2009 update by the U.N.’s World Health Organization (WHO) states that 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths. In India till date 20 cases are being confirmed in city like Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Jallandhar in Punjab. Government of India is now thinking about suspension of air flight to U.S.A as most of confirmed cases in India have been detected from the persons who had recently traveled to U.S cities and had returned from there. Â The 2009 swine flu outbreak is a pandemic of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 identified in April 2009. It is thought to be a mutationâmore specifically, a reassortmentâof four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Annual influenza epidemics are estimated to affect 5â15% of the global population, resulting in severe illness in 3â5 million patients and causing 250,000â500,000 deaths worldwide. In industrialized countries severe illness and deaths occur mainly in the high-risk populations of infants, the elderly and chronically ill patients. In [...]
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu or swine influenza is a disease common in swine, with normal flu-like symptoms, but caused by any strain of the swine influenza virus (SIV – virus endemic in pigs). Though rare in humans, individuals with greater exposure to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the particular rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans. Even then, it is a rare occurrence for the strain to be able to pass from human to human. This could occur if the SIV is able to mutate into a form that can be easily transmitted among humans. The swine flu outbreak of 2009 is believed to be caused by such a mutated strain of the SIV. The current outbreak is called swine flu only because one of the surface proteins of the tested virus is similar to the one which infects pigs. It is still unknown if this is currently infecting pigs though it’s clearly spreading among people, leading the World Health Organization to raise the Phase 4 pandemic alert. This new strain responsible for the outbreak has been found to be a re-assortment of strains of the influenza A virus subtype H1N1. These strains [...]
Bird Flu FAQ Today
As more and more cases of bird flu are reported, the world faces an immediate threat of a deadly pandemic. Pandemics (Global Disease Outbreaks) are known to be like flash floods. They start abruptly, spread fast and cause a lot of damage all over the world. A few facts that everyone should know: What is Avian Influenza? As the name suggests, avian influenza refers to the infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These viruses are commonly found in intestines of wild birds and these birds can carry the viruses without getting sick. However the viruses can be pathogenic to domesticated birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys. Domesticated birds become infected through exposure to other birds or through surfaces contaminated by secretions and faeces of the infected birds. These viruses are classified as Low Pathogenicity and High Pathogenicity. Most strains of Avian Influenza come under Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) Group and produce mild symptoms in the infected birds. Common symptoms are ruffled feathers, decreased food appetite, decreased egg production, sneezing and coughing. Many times LPAI may go undetected. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has more severe symptoms which include sudden death, loss of energy and appetite, decreased egg [...]
What is Avian Flu and Causes of Avian Flu
The avian flu that has affected birds and people in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, is different from the flu that many people get during the cold-weather months. Poultry — like chickens and turkeys — tend to get infected with the bird flu by migrating waterfowl (like ducks, geese, and swans), and spread it to other birds through their infected feces, saliva, or secretions. Avian influenza is flu infection in birds. The disease is of concern to humans, who have no immunity against it. The virus that causes this infection in birds can mutate (change) to easily infect humans. Such mutation can start a deadly worldwide epidemic. Avian Flu Causes The ABCs of influenza viruses Influenza viruses are divided into three types (strains) of viruses — influenza A, B and C. Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics. Type B can lead to smaller, more localized outbreaks. Less common and more stable than other strains, type C has milder symptoms. Either types A or B can cause the flu that circulates almost every winter. Farmers and other people working with poultry, as well as travelers visiting affected countries, have a higher risk for getting the bird [...]
Flu – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
 Influenza (say: in-floo-en-zah) is also called the flu. It’s an infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and sometimes earaches or sinus problems. The flu is caused by the influenza virus (say: vy-rus). A virus is a microorganism (say: my-croh-or-gah-nih-zum), which means it’s so small that you can’t see it without a strong microscope. Flu Causes Somewhere between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the “whole body” symptoms begin to subside, and respiratory symptoms begin to increase. The flu virus can settle anywhere in the respiratory tract, producing symptoms of a cold, croup, sore throat, bronchiolitis, ear infection, or pneumonia. Flu Symptoms Symptoms of influenza can start quite suddenly one to two days after infection. Usually the first symptoms are chills or a chilly sensation, but fever is also common early in the infection, with body temperatures as high as 39 °C (approximately 103 °F). Many people are so ill that they are confined to bed for several days, with aches and pains throughout their bodies, which are worse in their backs and legs.[1] Symptoms of influenza may include: Body aches, especially joints [...]
Tamiflu – Swine Flu Treatment and Prevention Medication
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an anti-viral medication that is used for the treatment and prevention of Swine Flu Influenza (virus). Tamiflu is available in both tablet form and as a suspension. Tamiflu can be given to children (more than 1year of age) and adults who possess swine flu symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, weakness, muscle aches and pains. But, Tamiflu is known to work effectively when the flu treatment is started in two days of the first arrival of symptoms. On the other hand, Tamiflu can also be used as a preventive treatment. Tamiflu, an oral medication, is a convenient 75mg capsule which has an effect on all key locations in the body where the virus grows. The dose for the adult treatment of swine flu is a 75mg capsule, preferred to be taken twice a day for five days. A pack of Tamiflu contains a full cure course of 10 capsules. Tamiflu: Can relieve sickness that escorts flu. Could prevent the flu from arrival no matter if the patient has been uncovered to someone who suffers from it. Tamiflu works by slowing down and stopping the spread of the virus to other [...]
Avian Influenza – Bird Flu FAQ
What is Avian Influenza? As the name suggests, avian influenza refers to the infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These viruses are commonly found in intestines of wild birds and these birds can carry the viruses without getting sick. However the viruses can be pathogenic to domesticated birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys. Domesticated birds become infected through exposure to other birds or through surfaces contaminated by secretions and faeces of the infected birds. These viruses are classified as Low Pathogenicity and High Pathogenicity. Most strains of Avian Influenza come under Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) Group and produce mild symptoms in the infected birds. Common symptoms are ruffled feathers, decreased food appetite, decreased egg production, sneezing and coughing. Many times LPAI may go undetected. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has more severe symptoms which include sudden death, loss of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, respiratory problems, facial oedema (swelling), poorly formed eggs and diarrhoea. HPAI can reach a mortality rate of nearly 100%. What Is H5N1 strain of Bird Flu? All flu viruses are classified as type A, B or C depending on their structural arrangement. Type A is responsible [...]
Tamiflu – A New Approved Flu Treatment And Prevention Medication
What is Tamiflu? Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an anti-viral medication that is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu virus), including avian influenza (bird flu). Available in both tablet form and as a suspension, Tamiflu can be given to adults and children more than 1year of age who present with flu symptoms. But, Tamiflu is known to work effectively when the flu treatment is initiated within two days of the first onset of symptoms. In addition, Tamiflu can be used as a preventive treatment also. For adults and adolescents 13 years or older, the recommended oral dose is 75mg oseltamivir twice daily, for 5 days. For children one year or older, Tamiflu oral suspension is available. Children with body weight of 40 kg and above may be prescribed the adult dosage of 75mg twice daily for 5 days. Tamiflu: Can ease ailments that accompany flu (like weakness, cough, headache, fever, sore throat) Could prevent the flu onset even if the patient has been exposed to someone who suffers from it Tamiflu works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme that stops the spread of the virus to other cells in the body. Tamiflu is available for the treatment of influenza [...]
Swine Flu Facts
Swine influenza – Swine influenza or swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by the type A H1N1 swine influenza virus (SIV). Humans in close proximity to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans. Symptoms – Swine flu symptoms in humans are generally similar to regular flu (influenza) symptoms and include muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, lack of appetite, fever, chills, and general weakness and discomfort. Other reported symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Transmission – Swine flu spreads from pigs to humans when humans are close to infected pigs. People working in barns or visiting livestock exhibits housing infected pigs are likely to get affected. Transmission from humans to humans can occur when the infected individual coughs or sneezes when others are close by. Putting one’s hands to the nose or mouth after touching anything with the flu viruses on it could also spread the infection. Consuming well-cooked pork and pork products won’t cause infection as cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F kills bacteria and viruses, including the swine flu virus. Treatment and medication – While swine [...]