Bird flu
Alternative Names
Influenza AWhat is Bird flu
Bird flu is triggered by a type of influenza virus (influenza A) that infects humans very seldom, but if bird flu infects humans, it is often deadly. More than 50 % of the people who become infected with bird flu die of the disease. Recently, outbreaks of bird flu have occurred in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. Most people who have developed symptoms of bird flu have had close contact with sick birds. There were some cases when bird flu has been transmitted from one person to another.
Signs and symptoms
This disease can cause the following symptoms:
- cough
- fever
- sore throat
- muscle aches
Some people also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. And in a few cases, a mild eye infection (conjunctivitis) is the only indication of the disease.
Possible complications
The complications of a bird flu can be fatal and they include:
- viral pneumonia
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
What causes
Bird flu occurs in a natural way in wild waterfowl and can spread into domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. The disease is passed via contact with an infected bird's feces or secretions from its nose, mouth or eyes. Open-air markets where eggs are spread the disease into the wider community.
Prevention
You can prevent the bird flu if you take the following precautions:
- avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
- avoid contact with surfaces that are contaminated with animal feces
- don't eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
- don't pick up or touch dead or dying birds
- always follow good personal hygiene practices, including washing your hands regularly
Treatment
You should consult the doctor in order to determine which type of virus you have. The common treatment includes antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine. It is also recommended recommend to the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). You should take these medications within two days after the appearance of symptoms.
