The bird flu, also called avian flu, is a virus that affects wild and domestic birds around the world. It has killed millions of birds already. In a few rare instances humans that came closely in contact with the sick birds also contracted the flu. But the current strain does not readily spread from human to human. Researchers are concerned however that bird flu will mutate so that humans can transmit the virus amongst us.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
The symptoms of bird flu are very similar to the common cold and flu for humans, including cough, sore throat, fever, and muscle aches. It may also show itself with a mild eye infection called conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as pink eye. Like all types of flu, bird flu turns dangerous when it attacks the respiratory system. People can develop viral pneumonia and other respiratory problems sometimes resulting in death.
Contracting Bird Flu
People most commonly contract bird flu through contact with sick birds. The big scare with bird flu occurred because if bird flu were to get into our domestic chicken supply, several million people could contract the virus within days causing a national health emergency. Since the recent bird flu scare chicken farms have much stricter guidelines to check for bird flu in the fowl.
Treatment for Bird Flu
There is no current cure for the flu, but a new bird flu vaccine may be available this year. In the meantime, the most common treatment for the virus is TamiFlu and Relenza. Concerns have been raised that these anti flu drugs may be developing resistance already. Because it is common for the flu virus, bird flu or otherwise, to mutate into different strains, creating a situation where the drugs do not protect people from every strain. Every year, researchers need to identify any strains and develop vaccines for them to stay ahead of the curve. Flu can spread so quickly, that drug companies and researchers may have a difficult time keeping up with the demand.
Prevention of Bird Flu
The best defense against bird flu is prevention. One method to control the spread of bird flu amongst domestic chicken farms is culling. The farms test the chickens for the virus and destroy any that have it or have come in contact with the infected chicken. Sometimes the chicken farm is quarantined until it is contained.
In 2004 the Centers for Disease Control banned the importation of birds from Asian countries into the United States because of the concentration of cases of bird flu in that region. These sorts of measures will prevent the virus from contaminating our food supply.
If you are planning on traveling outside of the country you may want to steer clear of poultry and eggs. Always wash your hands to prevent any kind of bacterial infection or spread of viruses. And, make sure to ask your doctor about a flu shot. The elderly and children should be given vaccines first, but if there is plenty of supply, you should protect yourself early.
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