See also:
Avian influenza is a strain of influenza that infects birds. It is often called the bird flu. In Asia, there have been cases of avian influenza that have infected humans.
To date there have been few cases of human illness. However, many infected patients have died. There is also concern that the virus could become more efficient at infecting humans. Some health experts are concerned that this could eventually cause a pandemic of this disease. A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak.
Viruses belonging to the A type of influenza viruses cause avian influenza. Sometimes a virus can mutate. These mutations can allow a bird virus to infect pigs or humans. Humans who have close contact with infected birds or pigs can then contract the virus. There is also concern that the virus can mutate to allow it to pass between humans.
The virus is not contracted through eating poultry, eggs, or pork products. It is currently passed through contact with an infected animal’s:
The following factors increase your chances of developing avian influenza:
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to avian flu. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.
In more severe cases, pneumonia (worsening fever and cough along with shortness of breath), problems with blood clotting, and organ failure (involving kidney, liver, lungs, and heart) can occur.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The virus can be identified through a blood test. Samples are also usually sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There the specific strain of the virus can be identified.
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Research is still being done to find an antiviral agent that works against the virus. Some current agents are ineffective against the virus. Antiviral agents that appear effective against the avian flu include:
These medications do not cure the flu. They may help relieve symptoms and decrease the duration of the illness. They must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
To help reduce your chances of getting avian influenza, take the following steps:
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first US vaccine to protect against H5N1 in adults aged 18-64. The government has stored this vaccine in its Strategic National Stockpile in case of an emergency.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/
Flu.gov
http://www.flu.gov/
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/index-eng.php/
References:
Avian influenza. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated August 2009. Accessed August 4, 2009.
The avian flu vaccine. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated August 2009. Accessed August 24, 2009.
Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004.
New-style bird flu vaccine shows promise. Reuters UK website. Available at: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN11302781._CH_.242020080612 . Published June 12, 2008. Accessed August 4, 2009.
Weir E, Wong T, Gemmill T. Avian influenza outbreak: update. CMAJ . 2004;170:785-786.
Last reviewed January 2010 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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