Bird flu is also known as Avian flu, it is in the family of a type A influenza virus. The symptoms of bird flu can vary somewhat and the outcome can be from sickness to death. This flu can be found in either domestic or wild birds and is lethal to domestic birds and potentially lethal to humans. Hong Kong had the first reported case of the bird flu virus in 1997. The symptoms can seem like a regular flu virus but can turn very nasty and deadly. For your protection you should know the symptoms of bird flu in humans. The newest strain of bird flu is called H5N1.
Similar to human flu,
Researcher does not know the exact incubation period of bird flu in humans due to the small amount of humans who have contracted this disease. The symptoms of bird flu are so similar to that of other types of flu; it is a little difficult to tell the difference until the flu has progressed into the bird flu virus. There are some things that make bird flu stand out.
Symptom that are different,
Bird flu brings with it fevers as do all flu. You may experience sore throat and cough, headache and aching muscles but there are complications that go along with bird flu that can give you signals that it is not just the ordinary flu you have. If you develop eye infections, which are really irritating, pneumonia, including viral pneumonia, which is a chest infection, acute respiratory illness, where you have difficulty breathing and inflammation of the heart and brain then you can safely say you have bird flu symptoms.
See your doctor,
If you have been around birds before these symptoms came, you need to see your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor that you were around these birds even if it was visiting a farm; the doctor will need to know this to make a correct diagnosis. If you have been to another country and experience these symptoms when you arrive home, you have reason to be concerned. One way bird flu can be contracted is by visiting a market or a farm where birds are kept; this could put you at risk for picking up this disease.
Human immunity,
The reason that bird flu can make such an impact on people is that once you have contracted the disease the human immunity, to this rare disease, may not have any defenses against a virus that previously only infected birds. This is what makes bird flu so dangerous. The body's immune system doesn't know how to fight off the virus. If the bird flu virus H5N1 can mix with the human flu virus, the combination of these could spread the disease very rapidly.
Countries affected by bird flu virus,
Researcher are in fear that if the bird flu virus that are affecting countries such as Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, could rise up to be a worldwide epidemic, if the virus gets to the point where it can mutate with the human flu virus, it could cause the worse pandemic since the Spanish flu, which killed up to fifty million people between 1918 and 1919.
Steps to protect yourself,
If your travel overseas or here at home, then keep in mind the things that can protect you from coming in contact with the virus at all.
1. Don't go to any farms or markets and avoid contact with all birds
2. Protect your child by keeping their fingers from their mouths or putting contaminated objects in their mouths.
3. Even the eggshells can have the virus through feces that may be left on them. Wash the eggs really well before breaking them then wash your hands extremely well after you've done this.
4. Don't eat anything that contains uncooked eggs such as mayonnaise.
5. After you've handle any kind of poultry, make sure you wash the cutting board you were using and the utensils. Again, make sure to wash your hands well after handling it.
6. Remember to cook your poultry at a very high heat. A temperature of 80 degrees C will destroy any bird flu virus in one minute.
Treatments,
There are treatments for bird flu if you do contract it. There are several anti-viral medications that are used for the human flu virus that can be successful for treating the bird flu virus. Sometimes these can be used to protect you from the bird flu virus, if you know you have been in contact with it. In Australia, two of these drugs are called Relenza and Tamiflu. These drugs can be used as a treatment for those that are already ill and for those that have come in contact with the bird flu virus as a preventative.
Vacines,
There are vaccines for the bird flu virus in development but it is not yet available to the public. Even though the medications that are on the market cannot prevent the bird flu virus, they are effective if you have come in contact with it or if you have the disease already.
Prevention is key,
The best way of preventing the symptoms of the bird flu virus is to try and avoid situations and places that you could be exposed to it. There are many ways to help yourself stay healthy until a vaccine is approved that will take away the risk of infection. Avoiding symptoms of bird flu in humans may take a little extra effort but it well worth it when you think of the alternative.