Avian+Flu+Current+Solutions

= Current Solutions = = = = Are there are any vaccines available? =

Vaccines for seasonal influenza does not protect against avian influenza in humans. On April 17, 2007 the U.S. FDA approved the first vaccine that will prevent humans from being infected by the H5N1 virus. The U.S. government has purchased these vaccines in case the virus becomes a pandemic virus. However, a pandemic hasn’t occurred yet, so the vaccine is not open to the commercial public.

= = = = == An Avian Flu Vaccine. http://www.bird-flu-vaccine.org/bird-flu-vaccine.jpg = = =What are the drug treatments?=

Studies have shown that prescribed medicines to treat human influenza should treat avian flu. However, the virus can become resistant to these drugs, so additional research is required. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce length and severity of seasonal flu. The effectiveness of these drugs depend on how early they are administered. They may also improve chances of survival in cases of H5N1 infection. Amantadine and rimantadine might be used to treat the pandemic influenza, but resistance may develop, which would reduce their effectiveness against a pandemic virus. Some strains of the virus are already fully resistant to these drugs. The major problem with these drugs are the high cost and limited production level.

=What are the precautions we can take to prevent contracting the disease?= Poultry can be consumed safely in areas with avian flu outbreaks as long as it is cooked and handled properly during preparation. Cooking all parts of the food at normal temperature (70 degrees Celsius) will kill the H5N1 virus. We have to make sure that ALL parts of the food are completely cooked. Raw poultry or its juices should never touch any foods eaten raw. Raw eggs should not be used in foods that won’t be further cooked.

Screening chickens for influenza virus. http://advance.uconn.edu/2005/051128/images/avianflu018.jpg

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