Avian flu is the term for disease of birds caused by different influenza viruses. Normally, the birds are not very sick, but some viruses especially those which contain the name of H5 and H7 subtypes, are more dangerous than others, the infecting more and proposes often kill birds, especially poultry birds. Anatidae and other migratory birds are attacked often, but few die. It is seen that other animals such as pigs, and members of felines can be infected with bird flu virus.

How is bird flu?

Bird flu does not usually infect humans, but the specific infectious and said H5N1 (1997 and from 2003 in Asia) and H7N7 (2003 in Holland) has infected humans.

Worldwide, nearly 100 people have died from bird flu out of the approximately 180 people who have had bird flu, but because of the risk of mutations (changes in genetic material) and thus a pandemic (worldwide epidemic), these court cases have attracted much attention. This has not been less of the information about the many millions of birds that have had to kill for preventive purposes.

Bird flu infects only from animals to humans through close contact. Virus is excreted in large amounts in stool and fluids as saliva, but is also found in the blood. From there the virus is inhaled or in the mouth of the one way or another. Viruses can survive in the environment of days to weeks. There are very few and not quite sure reports of infection with the H5N1 virus between two people, but never further.

For the H5N1 virus must be able to cause a pandemic should it mutate so it becomes capable of transmission from human to human. This mutation can be done in different ways and, in humans, pigs and birds.

Normal influenza epidemics caused by human viruses and is similar to the viruses that we’ve seen before but which has changed a bit, so that our antibodies only partially cover, leads only to a few deaths and mainly among the elderly and debilitated persons. If the gene pool and thus the virus changed so much that our antibodies do not cover, and viruses simultaneously is very contagious, so you get a pandemic, and it is the fear if the H5N1 virus mutates.
How does it feel symptoms?

Symptoms of avian flu are similar to those you have at the ordinary flu with fever, fatigue, headache and sore joints and muscles. But bird flu gives much more frequent severe viral pneumonia, and this is especially so, patients die of. There are now konstrateret a single case of H5 bird flu in Denmark, but unless you have had contact with sick birds, you should behave as usual, if you get flu symptoms.

What can be done to prevent bird flu?

If avian flu, as it seems right now, will come to Denmark, it must be done either through importation of infected birds, migratory birds are infected, or people who are infected abroad, most likely in Asia.

It is therefore particularly those who poultry farmers and veterinarians and others who have close contact with birds should take precautions with their foot pads, gloves and good hygiene. Consumption of poultry is well-prepared, do not represent any risk of infection.

When traveling, especially in areas where avian flu is detected, or when moving around in the wild, you should wherever possible avoid contact with birds. Never in the poultry markets in Asia and touch the dead birds.

However, it is important to emphasize that the risk of infection for humans in general are very small. Fødevarestyrelsens primary advice to people who have inadvertently touched a dead bird or its droppings (including feathers), is to wash hands in soap. Soap destroys namely the bird flu virus. Read more about possible relief by clicking on the links under inmates ‘read more’.

How is bird flu?

There is currently a treatment that could cure bird flu or other influenza types. There are two kinds of medicines that have proven effective against bird flu and ordinary flu, at least in test tubes and in animal studies.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu in Denmark), sold as tablets and Zanamivir (Relenza, unregister now in Denmark), which is inhaled. By ordinary flu eases both drugs disease and shorten it by about a day long, starting within 48 hours. The effect is better the sooner you start treatment.

The two other flu resources Amantadine and Rimantadin can not be used by bird flu. The two active ingredients can be used in a preventive protective efficacy of 70-80 percent. If you have been exposed to infection, or if you have to do anything that involves risk, so the substance should be given, so long as the risk exists or at least seven days after exposure to infection.

An influenza pandemic usually lasts from one to three months, why in the situation so requires coverage for the entire period, which can only be reasonable for health care and the like in view of some side effects and a high price and lack of active substances.

All in all, one should not take these drugs without talking to your doctor. A proportion of patients who became ill in Asia received treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu), but not with any definite effect. But the presumption has no effect at very early treatment.

In Denmark, patients suspected of having bird flu, stay in the hospital, where they can be isolated and optimum care and treatment of any complications such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, we know already that the H5N1 virus can develop resistance (resistance) against Tamiflu. Yet another reason to only your doctor should decide when to use Tamiflu.

Vaccination

There is as yet no vaccine against bird flu virus that can infect between humans for the simple reason that is not yet known virus (and actually do not know if it ever comes). But several pharmaceutical companies are already testing a vaccine to protect against infection from birds to humans with H5N1.

Ordinary flu vaccination does not protect against bird flu. If the virus mutates it is not known whether it could provide some protection, why you still recommend it for travelers to areas where bird flu has been found.

It is estimated that it would take three to six months from the mutant virus is discovered, for one can have an effective vaccine to large populations. Therefore, the Danish government made an emergency plan, which, in addition to the purchase of Tamiflu, made agreements with companies that are ready to supply the Danish population with a vaccine against bird flu.

Other treatment

There is no treatment other than Tamiflu and general supportive treatment of symptoms and possible complications.

Source : netdoktor.dk

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