Avian+Flu+Overview

=   What is Avian Flu? = ===  Avian Flu, also commonly known as Avian Influenza Type A, is a viral infection occuring mainly in birds, both domesticated and wild, as well as humans, and in some rare cases, pigs as well. Coming in a wide variety of forms and symptoms, this virus poses a threat to the public health, and is under close observation and research by scientists today. ===



A cartoon reflecting the nature of the world's battling of avain flu- birds that are infected with the virus without hesitation will be exterminated to try and keep the virus from comgin in contact with other birds, and especialy with people.

http://www.westernuphealth.org/archives/Summer06%20Pandemic%20Flu/Homepage-Sick-Poultry-AvianFlu.jpg =  = =  How does the virus apply to birds? = === Avian flu is present in both wild and domesticated birds. Carried in the intestines, the virus has little effect on wild birds, while proven to be fatal to domesticated. Commonly passed on from bird to bird, Avian flu is also passed on from contact with infected feces, saliva, and nasal secretions. This poses a threat to domesticated birds, which are in close living quarters and constantly in contact with eachother. The virus occurs in two main levels: ===

=== If the virus is carried in birds, how is it a threat to humans? Viruses have the ability to change forms and adapt rapidly- in the case of Avian Flu, it can adapt to infect humans, posing a significant threat. Several cases have been reported since 1997, resulting for approximately half the patients in death. For this reason, scientists and health officials have been on close survey of the virus, tracking its breakouts across the world, in an effort to prevent an epidemic with the power to ruin and take lives. === =  = =    = Infected birds are disposed of. http://www.dailygalaxy.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/14/rt_bird_flu_071005_ms_2.jpg =  = =   = =  The Threat to Humans  = === There are many forms of influenza which infect humans, some which were derived from birds as well. The most recognized threat to humans and birds is the subtype of H5N1 and the H7 subtypes of the virus, which takes the high pathogenic form. Though the virus does not pass from one species to another easily, but has the ability, and has done so in the past. However, once carried by a human, it is unusual for the virus to then spread to other humans, but still remains a possibility. ===

= = = = An Avian Flu victim suffers in a hospital. http://www.topnews.in/files/birdflu_victim_treated_in_hospital.jpg = = = Symptoms of Avian Flu: = ===-Fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.  -Eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and fatal complications. === =    = =   Medications:   =

=== Medications developed in the United States have been proven to be effective in battling the disease, but once again, being a viral infection, Avian Flu can easily mutate to counter these medications. Previously used anti-viral medicines, such as Amantadine and Rimantadine, have been proven ineffective in face of the Avian flu. However, other medications developed such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are said to be a possibility for treatment to a victim. This link leads to a detailed timeline of events pertaining to Avian Flu throughout history: ===

http://www.who.int/entity/csr/disease/avian_influenza/Timeline_09_01_05.pdf

This image models the structure of Avian Flu, a virus, which infects host cells within a body. Though not even calssified as alive, viruses are extremely dangerous. Viruses prove to be effective in adapting easliy and quickly, adding to their danger exponentialy.



An educational video on Avian Influenza:
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