How to Prevent Bird Flu
January 24, 2010 by admin
Filed under General Health
Birds, such as chickens, are only carriers of bird flu virus H5N1 and are not directly affected but humans, to whom they spread, are affected. There are an increasing number of people who are affected by bird flu or avian flu. The saliva and the nasal secretions of the birds are found to contain the deadly virus that is responsible for the spread of bird flu.
People, who live in close proximity to poultry and in under- privileged and unclean surroundings are more likely to be infected with bird flu. There are three types of flu viruses namely A, B and C of which virus A is the deadliest, causing the maximum damage. The bird flu infection is apparent through symptoms like fever, sore throat, head aches and muscle aches, lethargy, eye infections, chest pain and breathing problems.
The wide and rapid spread of bird flu virus in humans has triggered the killing of millions of domestic birds in most parts of south East Asia. The deficiency in immunity is one of the reasons for the spread of bird flu and if this is effectively addressed, there can be a great downfall in the rate of spread of bird flu.
More tests are conducted to administer vaccines that boost the immunity in humans and would ultimately, help to minimize the amount of vaccine needed to safeguard against birdlife. When there was an outbreak of H5N1 virus in 1997 in Hong Kong, the high dose of bird flu vaccine stimulated an antibody response that proved to be very effective. But it is not sure whether this kind of vaccination would be effective in human- to- human transmission of the virus.
Though there is a constant research going on to find more improved vaccines, it is wise to stockpile H5N1 vaccine as the virus has a tendency to mutilate at a faster pace and spread rapidly. Two drugs that are found to cure bird flu are Tami flu and Relenza.
The most common methods of spread of bird flu are through dust and viral particles that are inhaled but it is almost impossible to stop this method of spreading of the deadly virus. Children are more prone to the virus as they easily come into contact with places where the virus is ingested through the faeces of bird and where birds are found.
At best, we can prevent further spread by washing our hands very frequently and clean our clothes that may have come into contact with virus. Shoes must be removed outside the house, the mouth and nose can be covered with mask and stop eating dead poultry. Until a very effective and instant cure is found out, the best thing that can be done is to stop further spread of bird flu.
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