by M. J. Joachim

Created on: February 07, 2009

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Bird Flu

Bird flu, scientifically known as avian flu, is a virus that likes to grow in the lower respiratory tract. The lower respiratory system begins in the trachea, and proceeds through the bronchial tubes into the lungs. People who are exposed to bird flu often feel the onslaught of symptoms very dramatically and quickly. They develop high fevers, deep coughs, conjunctivitis, achy muscles, and severe diarrhea. Symptoms of pneumonia follow, as the illness spreads to nearby organ. When the infection attacks the blood through the pulmonary system, the kidneys and heart begin to fail.

High Risk Factors

Children are especially susceptible to bird flu. Their little systems do not always have the necessary immunities to prevent the virus from growing. Poultry farmers also are at high risk of exposure to Avian Flu. It is not uncommon to slaughter entire flocks if this virus rears its ugly head in the local community. Farmers do this to prevent the spread of disease, since bird flu is highly contagious, and very deadly.

Anyone who has been exposed to contaminated birds is at risk of developing avian flu. A sick bird's feathers may spread the germs, as well as its saliva and droppings. Infected birds landing on surfaces may also spread germs where they rest. If a person becomes infected with bird flu, they can infect others, since the germ has been known to mutate and adapt to new hosts. Thankfully, the virus is slow to mutate, and it is much more difficult for people to spread bird flu to other people.

Avian Flu seems to be more confined to Asia, parts of Europe, Near East, and Africa. These parts of the world have had the most severe outbreaks. However, since birds migrate, wild birds are capable of infecting domesticated birds. Therefore, anyone can be unexpectedly exposed to this virus.

Symptoms

High Fever: Fever comes on suddenly with bird flu. It usually begins at around 102 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever develops to help people fight infection. When people become infected with bird flu, their fevers rapidly increase, as their bodies try to defend against the illness. The fever can lasts up to several days.

Deep Cough: Bird flu seems to multiply more easily in the lower respiratory system. People will often develop a severe cough that stems from deep in their lungs. Their bronchial tubes will become severely irritated, and swell. Tightness of the chest is not uncommon.

Conjunctivitis: Bird flu is spread through contamination. If someone

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>