Avian Influenza – H5N1 infection

Description of avian influenza

Птичий грипп – штамм гриппа, which primarily infects birds. In Asia and Africa, there have been cases of avian influenza, that infect humans.

Until now, there were few cases human disease. But, many infected patients have died. Some health experts are concerned about the possibility of a pandemic of the disease. Пандемия – вспышка болезни по всему миру. But now the virus stopped spreading.

Causes of bird flu

Virus, causing avian influenza of type A influenza viruses. Sometimes the virus can mutate. These mutations can cause infection of pigs or humans. People, who have close contact with infected birds or pigs, may contract the virus. There is also concern, that the virus could mutate seriously, that will allow it to be directly transmitted between humans.

The virus is not transmitted through eating well-cooked birds, eggs, or pork products. All patients in contact with infected animals through the following selection:

• The saliva or blood;.
• Nasal discharge;
• Wastes.

Risk factors

Risk factors include:

• Close contact with infected animals, such as:
  • Ducks;
  • Geese;
  • Chickens;
  • Turkeys;
  • Swine;
• Travel to areas, where documented cases of bird flu:
  • Thailand;
  • China;
  • Vietnam;
  • Cambodia;
  • Indonesia;
  • Laos;
  • Netherlands;
  • Egypt.

Symptoms of bird flu

These symptoms may be caused by other reasons. When they occur, seek medical advice.

• Flu-like symptoms, such as:
  • Fever;
  • Chills;
  • Cough;
  • Sore throat;
• Diarrhea, vomiting;
• Abdominal pain and / or chest pain.

In more severe cases, pneumonia can occur (strengthening fever, coughing, and shortness of breath), problems with blood clotting and multiple organ failure (may affect the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart).

Diagnosis of avian influenza

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, and performs a physical exam. The virus can be identified by analysis of blood.

Treatment of bird flu

Currently under study, to find an effective antiviral agent. Some modern tools are not effective against influenza viruses. Antivirals, that appear effective against the avian flu include:

• Zanamivir (Relenza);
  • This medicine may worsen the condition of patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) – является предпочтительным препаратом для лечения птичьего гриппа;
  • Oseltamivir (and, perhaps, zanamivir) may increase the risk of injuries to himself and to the weakening of attention after ingestion, especially in children. You need to carefully watch for signs of unusual behavior of children after taking the drugs.

These drugs do not cure the flu. They can help relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of illness. They must be taken during the 48 hours after the first symptoms.

Prevention of bird flu

The risk of contracting bird flu is quite small. However, when visiting places, where there were cases of the disease, you need to take action, to reduce the risk:

• It should avoid travel to areas, where there is an outbreak of bird flu;
• It is necessary to avoid contact with potentially infected poultry or pigs. This includes denial of visiting farms or open air markets;
• Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Eggshell can be infected with bird flu;
• Raw poultry could be contaminated with avian influenza virus. Cooked poultry does not contain the bird flu virus;
• It is necessary to thoroughly wash their hands after visiting the area, where possible exposure to the avian influenza virus;
• You must use hand sanitizer, If clean water is not available.