Bird Flu is Still a Threat for Humanity

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza is a disease which affects the birds, especially the poultry, in different extents. The bird flu is produced by subtypes of influenza A virus and it sheds in the wild birds which transmit the virus to the poultry. The H5N1 subtype is considered to be the most pathogenic virus from all the subtypes of influenza A virus.

Chicken, ducks and turkeys get infected if they get in contact with discharges from infected birds, infected water, and infected vehicles. The eggs can also contaminate the incubator if they are from infected hens.

The birds which survive the infection can spread the virus for another period of at least 10 days through secretions, discharges and feathers.

The virus can easily spread in the area if a contaminated bird is left to roam freely; if it drinks water from the place other birds drink, this way contaminating the water. Cars can spread the virus also from one place to another if they are not disinfected properly. Shoes, cages and clothing are also a way of spreading the virus.

Humans can get infected if they get into close contact with ill birds. People who transport poultry, who feed them and clean the place the birds live in, are exposed to the virus if the birds are infected. Eating cooked chicken meal is not dangerous as the virus gets inactivated at heat.

Until now human to human transmission was not encountered.

The governments are concerned that the virus could mutate and achieve the ability of transmitting itself from one person to another. This could lead to a global pandemic and millions of people might die. Also, if this problem is not solved quickly the poultry industry will suffer and the economy of the country will drop.

In chicken the bird flu gives these symptoms: diarrhea, muscle weakness, breathing problems, sudden deaths, facial swelling, and a decline in the egg production.

In humans the symptoms of bird flu are: fever, muscle pain, sore throat and then cough, breathing problems and multi-organ failure in the last stage of the disease.

As there are so many diseases which manifest very much alike with bird flu the doctors must be very careful when diagnosing bird flu. If the patient got into close contact with a sick bird, or handles bird cages, laboratory tests will be done to see exactly if there is a bird flu infection.

There has not been yet discovered an effective vaccine against bird flu virus. The only thing humans can do is take a shot for a human influenza virus to prevent the recombination between the bird flu virus and human flu virus which could form a more threatening virus.

In order to prevent bird flu people must avoid getting into close contact with birds or their discharges; must not buy any living bird illegally as they are not controlled by the veterinaries, must report any suspect death of a bird to the authorities, and must disinfect properly after handling bird products.

For more information about bird flu or even about symptoms of bird flu please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/symptoms-of-bird-flu.htm

Bird Flu Prevention

Prevention is better than cure! These words are too true. And countries around the world have taken to doing anything possible to prevent the outbreak of bird flu. Bird flu has killed more than 60 people thus far in South East Asia. This is since it was discovered in 2003. It also resulted in the deaths of millions of poultry.

This virus can be a serious threat if it develops the capacity of easy transmission from one person to another. Experts and decision-makers (400 of them!) had to gather recently for a three-day council of war on bird flu, which took place at the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

There is currently no vaccine available to protect humans against avian flu or bird flu ? also known as the H5N1 virus. But development is underway ? research began in 2005.

Personally, everyone should know what steps to take so as to keep risk at a minimum. Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing, especially if you are visiting a country other than your own. Be especially careful if you do not know the bird flu status of that country. Try to avoid places with a lot of human traffic, such as movies, concerts or shopping malls. Try skip peak hour on busses or trains. But if you must travel in areas which are crowded, wear a mask or respirator. This will protect you against any airborne bird flu virus. These particles are released when people cough, sneeze and just talk.

There are so many measures that can take taken. Even in the work environment. Small things, such as using your own coffee mug and using disposable towels to open the toilet door, might just save your life. These things are not difficult to do ? personally I do most of them anyways. But if there is a serious risk then you may want to don your bird flu survival kit ? especially if you or a co-worker are coughing and sneezing.

Whether at home, work and out and about, try and pay attention to the small things. Do not share your cutlery or drink containers. What seems like sharing a cool drink may actually lead to contraction of the virus. Try not to touch things, such as the bathroom door or the handle of the shopping cart. Use towelling papers, or even wear gloves. If you saw all the germs on communal spots such as ATM machines anyways you would probably never take your gloves off in public again!

More questions answered with Bird Flu Q&A

General Information Regarding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The World Health Organization (WHO) makes reports and updates regarding new human cases of infection with bird flu. The only subtype that can cause severe illness to people is Influenza A /H5N1 virus, initially it affects chickens, ducks and other birds by the process of mutation they can become highly pathogenic. Because highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in tissue, water and in the environment, especially when temperatures are low is transmitted very easily in chickens and other birds through direct contact with feces and secretions from infected birds, eggs, feed, water, cages equipment, vehicles and clothing. Public health authorities monitor human illnesses associated with avian influenza. In Hong-Kong occured for the first time infection both in humans and poultry and were killed about 1.5 million chickens.

In China and Hong-Kong avian influenza A (H9N2) virus infection affected two children who recovered. The source was unknown, but suspected the poultry.

In Virginia, 2002 an outbreak of H7N2 among poultry was descovered but,with no human victims. Canada, 2004: human infections among poultry workers with H7N3.

Thailand and Vietnam human infections with H5N1. Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, 2006: Human infections with H5N1 occurred as a result of contact with infected poultry and with infected death swangs. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, 2005 two persons have been infected with H5N1 as result of consuming uncooked duck blood. China two cases of patogenic infections with avian influenza A (H5N1) have been confirmed in a family travelling through China. Netherlands, 2003 were reported outbreaks of influenza A (H7N7) in several farms, after which in pigs and people, 90 people were confrmed with bird flu virus H7N7 in association with cases of eye conjunctivitis, one death occured at a veterinarian with acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications after having direct contact with infected poultry. In New York, 2003 there has been registered one case a patient with respiratory symptoms which recovered in few weeks and tests confirmed it had been avian influenza A (H7N2) virus. Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to other influenza viruses: sore throat and cough, fever, muscle weakness and/or pain, eye infections, with life-threatening complications such as: severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, multi- organ failure.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests the following antiviral agents supposed to prevent and treat avian influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir. They may be not always effective it has been demonstrated that viruses are resistent to amantadine and rimantadine. In the United States they are not in use any more for the treatment or prevention (prophylaxis) of influenza A. Specialists are monitoring the resistence of avian influenza A viruses to influenza antiviral medications.

For more information about bird flu or even about bird flu vaccine please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/bird-flu-vaccine.htm

Bird Flu Virus Is Now Known To Have Evolved In Two Forms

What was only a supposition, now it is proven, that the bird flu virus has evolved in two strains that are distinct genetically speaking. This is not good news as it might cause even more deaths among humans and the researchers will have to work double for finding an effective vaccine against these two forms of bird flu virus.

Between the year 2003 and 2005, US scientists have been collecting and analyzing more than 300 samples of H5N1 virus taken from infected birds and humans. They discovered that in 2003 and 2004 the human and bird population was affected by the same type of virus that was active in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. But in 2005 a new strain of H5N1 virus appeared and infected people from Indonesia. This virus is in a continuous genetic development and as time goes by our treatment option become more and more restrained.

Since 2003 the virus affected 180 people and killed 100 from all over the world. Doctors are afraid that a pandemic could start if the virus is not kept under control and hope that this virus will remain a bird virus and will not change into a human one. If the virus gains the ability of transmitting itself from human to human then the whole world population is in danger.

Fortunately, according to the scientists those two forms of the virus do not have the possibility of spreading easily from on person to another.

Until now the US scientists have been trying to find a vaccine that will kill both viruses. The vaccine will be 100% definitive once the exact form of a pandemic virus is known. The scientists believe that one vaccine could offer partial protection against the other type of virus strain if it works against the first one.

Scientists need to move fast because the viruses have the ability of changing their status and of developing very fast, gaining even the possibility of transmitting themselves from one person to another.

The thing is that no one had expected for the virus to travel around the world so easily and to mutate so fast creating another strain. But scientists are confident that by keeping the virus under control in birds they can find a suitable vaccine in a year or two. As long as the governments work together and help each other there is no need for panic as there is still hope for a cure.

For more information about bird flu or even about bird flu prevention please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/bird-flu-prevention.htm

Why is Avian Bird Flu so Dangerous?

It is common for people to contract flu once in a blue moon. Some people can even get down with flu several times a year. But when we talk about avian bird flu, it is a totally different story. Nobody should get infected by bird flu virus at any cost. And if one does get infected, it is a serious issue and needs to be address immediately. That is because avian bird flu is so deadly it can even result in death in not treated immediately. That is how dangerous this virus can be.

Avian flu, unlike other common flu, can infect anyone, even those who are very healthy. A common flu is less dangerous, and can be easily cured. On the contrary, death rate for avian bird flu is very high for every age group. Even those in the twenties or thirties, who are healthy and immune to common flu, can experience high death rates in the face of avian flu. Hence we can see that no matter how healthy or how strong one immune system can be, it cannot fight against avian bird flu.

Precisely because the avian flu virus is so lethal, it is of serious matter for the medical field to find a way to fight against this virus as soon as possible. Statistics have shown that the fatality rate is estimated to be about 50 percent, and this is a number that gives the influenza experts lots of stress and headaches as to how to solve this problem.

Till now, the good thing is that the flu virus is mainly confined to birds, but has started to show sign of infecting other animals such as pigs. Almost all the human infected have come in contact with infected birds through the process of rearing, cooking, eating, or feeding the birds. What influenza experts is very concern now is whether avian bird flu can spread from human to human, as this will be a very disastrous thing to happen. If this happens, this would kick start the development of a bird flu pandemic.

There is very little for us, the common people, to do much. But at the very least, we should prepare ourselves for bird flu pandemic, and learn about ways to avoid and reduce the chance of getting avian bird flu. If everyone of us are well aware of bird flu preparation measures, we can work in an united effort to prevent a bird flu pandemic from happening.

Click for more top and latest info on avian bird flu or visit http://hair-loss.greenhealthinformation.com

Christopher Wen is the webmaster for greenHealth information site where he provides articles, news, and remedies to current health issues we faced in our everyday life. Check out his blog at http://greenhealthinformation.com

Bird Flu A Ticking Bomb

Although the earliest occurrences of avian influenza date back to 1997, when an outbreak in Hong Kong was swiftly dealt with and managed to be contained after causing 6 human deaths, it is the disease's most recent history, from late 2003 onwards, that is seen as a very worrying sign for the situation's future development. After only random cases between 1997 and 2003, Hong Kong and China reported various cases that signalled the start of a rapid spread of the virus across Asia. A couple of years later and the question is still being asked: is avian influenza a real threat to world health or will this become just another 'has been' news story? The SARS disease was another killer thought to have the potential to evolve and cause major social disruption. However, it was eventually contained and other headlines have taken its place.

If we are to believe international experts such as the World Health Organization officials, we are not far away from a flu pandemic. But this warning exists for a while now and apart from millions of birds being killed in Asia and some regular human victims every once in a while, the great 'plague' is yet to come. The issue is still an avian one, as birds are the virus' natural host. However the fear is that a possible mutation of such a virus strain could cause it to easily spread between humans. There are suspicions that this has already taken place in the case of an Indonesian family that was decimated by the virus. Therefore, international authorities show concerns over the inability of some countries to contain the outbreaks of the disease among their poultry population. This is the case with Asian countries, a continent where the illness has caused the death of tens of millions of birds. Culling of birds in an infected region is seen as the most effective way of preventing the spread.

Based on estimates that say that hundreds of millions of people could succumb to the avian flu disease in the case of a world wide flu epidemic, governments are racing to prepare for such an event. Plans are put together, surveillance programs are trying to detect the earliest signs of a possible bird flu infection in either wild or domestic birds and flu drugs are being stockpiled as the only way to treat patients. Although an effective and proven vaccine for the illness is yet to be found, several publicly funded or independent companies are doing research into the virus and how it can be stopped. Periodically, autumn and winter is seen as a perfect season for the disease to evolve into a world killer. Migratory birds are the most common source for the virus and starting September, their migration is thought to have the potential of taking the viral agent to new territories.

If we are to look on the other side, there are plenty of opponents to the bird flu fears. Not just people who look to the issue with disbelief, but strong supporters of a conspiracy theory. People such as Dr. Stephan Lanka, a German biologist who is disputing basic generally agreed facts such as the existence of viruses itself. It is in the end a matter of personal opinion how one takes to the matter. But with strong warnings that this is not something to joke around with, on one hand, and constant reassurances that the virus has some way to go before reaching its deadly arm into the Western hemisphere, it seems one could turn their attention to more stringent matters.
George Velicu is the senior editor at Bird Flu Center and the man responsible for making the website one of the most comprehensive sources for avian influenza information on the internet. He is also the one keeping a daily record of bird flu's developments.

Symptoms Of Bird Flu

Whether man is on the nature-conquering spree or the nature is on the spree of subduing the humanity? Who is the master and who's whose servant? Technology or man? Can the push-button comforts provide relief to all your miseries? Have you conquered all the diseases, identified all the viruses so that you can ravel in a state of perfect health? Then why do you have these symptoms, which your doctor has identified as bird flu?

You have been giving something to the dear birds, in the form of cruelty, since time immemorial. Now it is the turn of birds to repay you in the same coin, with compound interest! Air space is free for the birds and migration from one part of the globe to another part, is their birth right. They don't require visa.

The virus is found in the bird's intestines. Even in the birds,the symptoms are not severe as such. Buy you see in poultry farms the way in which the birds are handled?they are packed closely together with chicken and turkeys?thus man helps the cause of rapid spread of the latest disease called bird flu?to give it a more trendy name, avian influenza!

A general alert was sounded in health circles all over the world, when the mutated variety of the bird flu virus, H5N1 showed its teeth. That was in the year 2003. The infected poultry led to several human infections. About 50% of the affected died. The other 50%, turned temporary vegetarians, and inspired many others to follow suit!

The mode of infection, is simple. Come into contact with the bird's saliva, faces or nasal secretions?and you certainly have it instantly. The other birds which come into similar contacts have no chance of survival. As for human beings, if protective measure are not taken, become susceptible to the disease.

Some of the symptoms are identified. As regards the other symptoms the usual guess work is going on. In birds, the virus H5N1 causes diarrhea,, excessive shedding, a swollen head and difficulty in breathing. How will you take note of these symptoms unless you are a bird expert? --so far you have been the expert in eating the flesh and drinking the blood(soup) of the birds only.

Some more symptoms are, fever sore throat, muscle ache, chest pain, lethargy, cough and headache. If the infection has taken a serious turn in you, the following symptoms would indicate that state: eye infections, acute respiratory problems, pneumonia, inflammation of the heart and inflammation in the brain.

Immediate hospitalization in the case of severe symptoms is not only advisable but absolutely necessary. Human to human help is most welcome, but not at this time when your H5N1 virus is waiting for the opportune moment to take hold of the person who is coming to help you. So, avoid all contacts and let a trained health worker handle the precious cargo!

I told you several times, about the necessary to have clean habits, and not to eat non-vegetarian food in all those joints. Hope you come out of this phase of suffering successfully!

http://www.isitbirdflu.com/ & Bird Flu Symptoms provides detailed information on bird flu, bird flu prevention, bird flu symptoms and more.

How Public Contact Employees Can Protect Themselves From Bird Flu

The best way to protect yourself from bird flu during a pandemic is to avoid all contact with other people.

However, this is impossible for people who must continue to report to a place of employment. Work will be especially dangerous if your job is to meet and deal with the public.

However, most people will want to continue to bring in a paycheck, so we'll be torn between the desire to ensure our safety by remaining home and the need to bring in money to pay the bills and buy whatever food may be available.

First of all, a lot of business that is currently done in person could be handled over the telephone. Employers should encourage customers to use the telephone or online services as much as possible. This will also protect the customer from possible exposure to bird flu.

But whether you are a cashier at a fast food restaurant, a cable TV installer or a welfare caseworker with clients who can't keep their telephone service on, you will still have to deal with some people face to face.

If allowed, wear a Nanomask at all times. Although many employers may object in the beginning of a bird flu pandemic, by the time millions are dying they should recognize that it should actually reassure customers that you are looking after their safety as well as your own. After all, after a customer with bird flu infects you, you could pass it on to the next customer in line.

If customers must do any writing or signing, leave pens out in their area. Do not give them yours. Do not touch the pens they have touched. If you must, wash your hands afterward.

Unfortunately, you may have to touch paperwork or, of course, their money. Cash money actually carries a lot of germs even now. We just rarely think about the hygiene implications of handling money given to us by other people. So if possible, employers should encourage customers to pay by credit or debit card. Employees don't need to handle the physical cards, just get the numbers and other necessary information from the customer.

Wear rubber or plastic gloves if you have to handle papers or cash handed to you by customers.

If possible, put a barrier of transparent plexiglass between you and the other person. This will help protect your from their germs if they cough or sneeze.

Fast food restaurants should encourage customers to use the drive-through facilities and discourage eating inside.

Keep a bottle of a germicidal hand lotion by your side and put some on your hands between each customer.

Give everyone coming into your business access to a bottle of germicidal hand lotion and encourage them to use it on their hands before touching anything.

Again, while many such measures would be perceived as offensive to customers during normal periods, a bird flu pandemic is not a normal period and they should understand that when everyone is in great danger from infection, every measure you take to protect yourself, also helps protect them as well.

Of course, during a bird flu pandemic the riskiest public contact job will be providing medical care to bird flu patients.

I can't give advice on that score, except to say please follow all rules and regulations to reduce your exposure to bird flu and to reduce the chances of you infecting other patients. And remember that barrier nursing and diligent hygienic procedures protect you as well as your patients.

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and Bird Flu Blog

How to Protect Senior Citizens From Bird Flu

Senior citizens are at high risk of catching bird flu during a pandemic because their immune systems are weaker due to their age.

While it's true that not many bird flu victims of the current strain of H5N1 have been elderly, that's probably because it's in countries where the life expectancy is lower than in developed countries, so there just aren't as many elderly people. Plus, they are not as likely to have direct contact with living or uncooked chickens.

However, once bird flu becomes contagious, we can expect that elderly will be just as at risk for catching the virus if exposed to it, and more at risk of dying from it or associated infections and consequences.

Regular flu shots may protect seniors to the extent that the shots keep them from becoming sick and weakened from catching ordinary flu. The flu shots themselves are for the 3 most common strains of ordinary flu going around, not for bird flu.

Eventually there will be a bird flu vaccine, but it will not be exactly targeted toward the contagious strain of H5N1. That means it will provide only partial protection from the contagious strain. Since seniors have weakened immune systems, they will have less ability to benefit from the cross-immunity.

Therefore, the main strategy to protect seniors from bird flu is still social isolation -- to stay away from as many people as possible to avoid exposure to the virus.

Just as children should be kept out of day care centers and schools during a bird flu pandemic, seniors should stay away from adult day care centers.

Of course, many seniors are socially isolated anyway, which is normally not good, but it could save their life during a bird flu pandemic.

Of course, family members should look in on their senior relatives, but this contact should be limited, and children should be kept at home, since they can easily transmit infection.

A big risk to seniors will be not getting professional care and medicine for their other medical problems. A bird flu pandemic will not make heart attacks, high blood pressure or strokes disappear, but will severely strain the ability of hospitals and clinics to care for anybody except flu victims.

So seniors should try to make some arrangements with their care providers for emergency service in the event of a pandemic. Also, they should arrange for the stockpiling of their regular prescription medicines, since they may be unable to obtain them at their usual drugstore after the transportation system is disrupted.

Nursing homes will be of particular concern, since residents of them will be particularly weak and at risk from infectious diseases. Nursing home staff should be particularly careful to clean their hands thoroughly when going from resident to resident. All staff and visitors should wash their hands and rub alcohol lotion on them frequently.

In fact, frequent hand washing is one of the best ways for everyone to protect themselves from contagious flu. So make sure everybody in your family of all ages washes their hands well and frequently.

It's also important that nursing home staff members who have sick families members or who feel sick themselves stay home, to avoid bringing bird flu to the nursing home. Unfortunately, staffing shortages will probably be a problem simply because of the staff themselves becoming sick, dying or just plain hiding out at home.

Seniors may object to anything new, but they should be encouraged to take any supplements that can increase the strength of their immune systems: Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, Omega-3, beta carotene and others.

And of course, consult with their doctor, especially regarding chronic medical conditions.

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and Bird Flu Blog

How to Protect Yourself From Bird Flu and Other Infections by Washing Your Hands -- the Right Way

OK, so I sound like your mother -- I accept that. Only I'm worse than your mother, because I want you to wash your hands more often than your mother did.

And for a longer time and more thoroughly.

If and when bird flu mutates into a virus that's contagious between people, we can expect it to spread as easily as ordinary influenza, and the same way ordinary flu does

Ordinary flu (and colds too) spreads primarily in two ways: contact spread and airborne spread.

Airborne spread means that somebody sheds virus by coughing or sneezing, and the small droplets containing the virus hang in the air, and you breath them in. They can hang there for fifteen minutes or more before drifting to the ground.

Experts disagree about whether contact spread or airborne spread causes more new infections of colds and flu.

It's a fact that you can dramatically reduce your chances of catching bird flu, ordinary flu, colds and other commons infections such as caliciviruses which causes nausea (stomach flu) by washing your hands to eliminate the risk of contact spread.

It's true washing your hands won't help you if a bird flu patient sneezes into your face, so avoid that!

Contact spread means the passing along of germs by simple touch. Influenza viruses can live outside a human body for hours. H5N1 bird flu can possibly survive on the outside for days.

So it's entirely possible that one of your co-workers can be infected but not even know it yet. They work at a computer keyboard. They shed some H5N1 viruses onto the keys. You sit down at the keyboard several hours later and do some work. You don't know it, but bird flu is on your hands.

Now, at this stage, the H5N1 is harmless. It cannot pass through the skin of your hands. That's the good news.

The bad news is that most of us touch our hands to our faces every 30 seconds or so. You put your hand on your chin to think. You scratch your nose. You rub your eyes. You chew your fingernail.

That's when the bird flu virus can infect you. It goes from your hands into your body through your mouth, nose and eyes. Then infects your respiratory tract and in a few days you're coughing.

That's why it's so important to wash your hands often in the best of times, more often during ordinary cold and flu season, and compulsively during a bird flu pandemic.

You may think there's no need for this article. Think again. Researchers once ran an experiment in the public restrooms of Grand Central Station. They installed cameras to observe how many people washed their hands after doing their business. They observed hundreds of men and women of every social class, economic class, race and ethnicity -- from the homeless to the wealthy.

60% failed to wash their hands at all!

Under 10% washed their hands thoroughly.

Almost nobody washed their hands thoroughly and then avoided touching the rest room surfaces before leaving.

You should wash your hands after using the bathroom and before meals, as your mother taught you. You should also wash your hands occasionally during the day. Especially after shaking hands with someone (when it's polite to do so, of course), after you've been handling anybody else's things (such as using someone else's pens or computer keyboard), after you've coughed or sneezed, after preparing dishes while cooking -- and even more often during the regular flu and cold season and throughout a bird flu pandemic.

Don't become as crazy as Howard Hughes in old age, but do wash your hands often, the proper way.

Use soap and water. Water should be a comfortable temperature. When it's too cold it won't dissolve the soap as easily. Too hot and of course it'll burn you.

Lather up well and rub the soap all over your hands and fingers, including under your fingernails, for twenty to thirty seconds. Rinse. Repeat.

In public restrooms, don't touch any surfaces with your now clean hands. Turn off faucet with paper towel. Push door open with paper towel.

In some places (such as where I work), there's no soap available, only a lotion of the germicide triclosan.

Scientists disagree about using triclosan. Some believe it's a harmful chemical. Some believe it encourages resistance to germicides in the germs. Some believe it upset the balance of natural germs on our skin.

If you have a choice, scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have no choice, just use the triclosan. Chances are you won't even notice.

Some of the same arguments apply to germicide hands lotions made from isopropyl alcohol, which you find stores full of during the Fall beginning of flu season. Except that some people say that when the alcohol evaporates it dries the skin of your hands creating small cracks that allow more dirt inside your skin.

Therefore, I use my hand lotion of isopropyl alcohol only when I feel my hands are so dirty that I want some extra protection besides a thorough scrubbing of soap and water. Hey, sometimes that happens after I use the toilet.

And during a bird flu pandemic -- I'm applying that germicide hand lotion ten times a day, cracks in the skin or no cracks in the skin. Especially if I've touched anyone or handled any objects that may have been exposed to anybody else.

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and Bird Flu Blog

Are Dogs Safe From the Bird Flu?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu or H5N1, is a viral disease that most commonly affects birds. It has appeared from time to time in regions around the world. It can spread easily among wild birds, but can also infect domestic birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and can also affect humans and other mammals. There is a rising concern that the H5N1 virus could cause a flu pandememic.

The CDC says that dogs are not usually susceptilbe to avian influenza viruses. However, the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that emerged in Asia in 2003 has been documented to infect other carnivore species (e.g. cats, tigers, leopards, stone martens). This has raised concern that this strain of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus may be capable of infecting dogs. An unpublished report from 2005 by The National Institute of Animal Health in Bangkok indicated that dogs could be infected with the virus, but the associated disease was not detected. Researchers tested 629 village dogs and 111 cats in the Suphan Buri district of central Thailand. Out of these, 160 dogs and 8 cats had antibodies to H5N1, indicating that they were infected with the virus or had been infected in the past.

There were news reports of a stray dog dying from bird flu (H5N1)in Azerbaiijan in March. This was the first reported death of a dog from the virus. So far, this appears to be an isolated case. The World Health Organization(WHO) states on it's website that a better understanding of the situation in animals is, however, urgently needed.

So far, there is not enough information available about H5N1 in dogs to know how infection would occur. Most human cases have come from contact with infected poultry or feces. Affected cats in Europe appear to have become infected by eating infected poultry or wild birds. It is possible dogs could be infected the same way.

If H5N1 is found in your area, (at this time H5N1 has not been found in North America), it may be a good idea to keep your dog indoors unless restrained, to prevent contact with infected birds and their feces. If you have a hunting dog, you may want to reconsider using it for retrieving downed birds. Report to the local veterinary authority any evidence of significant bird mortality, both wild and domestic. If your dog shows breathing problems or nasal discharge, consult a veterinarian. Wash animal blankets with soap or any other commercial detergent.

An equine virus has recently shown up in dogs in the U.S. It is believed that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus. This may be a slighlty higher risk for dogs than avian influenza. This inter-species re-assortment is not uncommon for type A influenza viruses. It is unclear when this transition occurred.

Symptoms of canine influenza can be similar to kennel cough and include: a persistant, soft, moist cough, and a thick nasal discharge. More severe cases may include high fevers, pneumonia, and difficulty breathing, which can also be caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

If your dog exhibits any of these symtpoms, consult your veterinarian.

So far, there has been no indication of transmission from dog to human. There is no vaccine available at this time. Treatment is usually limited to IV fluids to help keep your dog hydrated or antibiotics to help control the infection.

For more information concerning the Canine Influenza, and Avian Influenza check out:

www.avma.org/

www.cdc.gov/

So, is your dog safe from the bird flu? No one seems to have a solid answer one way or another at this time. A little caution may be warranted, but the choice is yours: Would you rather your prized hunting dog stay home under the bed rather than risk catching the bird flu, or be out leading the hunt, doing what he loves? The best advise we have right now is always pay close attention to your dogs health. If your dog shows signs of ill health, consult your veterinarian. This will ensure you have a healthy, happy companion for years to come.

Andrew Saari contributes articles to several websites. For the latest on dog health visit http://www.quickdogtraining.com

Bird Flu- Hard to get, Harder to beat

 Going vegetarian these days fearing bird influenza? Ever wondered what exactly is this bird flu (derived from the word influenza). Bird flu or avian influenza is any virus adapted in humans from the bird species. The only known such virus are influenza A viruses, of which of which H5N1 is a subtype. Most people use the words ?avian flu? or ?bird flu? to mean H5N1.

Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
As is explained it?s a three way process for a human to come in contact with a bird flu. First a wild bird is infected, which in turn infect the domestic fowls which we humans have chances of coming in contact with. But yes once we do get it, it can be fatal. This fear of acquiring bird flu sometimes gets the better of us intelligent beings. We have overrated a normal flu (cold, sore throat) to the levels of bird flu. Though the symptoms for them both are the same a bird flu symptoms are more severe and quick. It lasts longer and the body also feels lethargic and a sudden shot of body temperature leads to high fever.

But what if u does come in contact with the bird flu virus, what if u gets infected? There are no vaccines for this flu and antibiotics don?t work either. A medicine available on the net and with your doctors is oseltamivir, popularly branded as Tamiflu. Incase of an outbreak of the flu one must consult his doctor immediately and buy Tamiflu. It is advised to take Tamiflu within two days of coming in contact with the flu. One can also take Tamiflu for bird flu prevention if a family member already has been infected. Since the flu is infectious from human contact there is a chance of pandemic bird flu if the correct precautions are not heeded to. Various governments have stockpiled quantities of oseltamivir in preparation for a possible pandemic.
You can buy cheap Tamiflu online or get it from your doctor in case of a breakout of the flu.

Tamiflu is suitable for all adults and children above the age of one year. Tamiflu can have its own side effects as well, like nausea, dizziness, headache, stomach pain and vomiting.

It is always advised to consult your doctor before mistaking a common cold for bird flu and act accordingly. Even bird flu can be cured if dealt without haste and fear.

Bird Flu: The Next Plague?

Are you afraid of the infamous bird flu (H5N1)? If not, you should be. Did you know there is no working vaccine yet? Many manufacturers advertise that they have vaccine, but that is not simply true. This is because it hasn't mutated yet to form where it can spread from human to human. Only with that virus, it is possible to create fully functional vaccine. Vaccines what are being advertised are unreliable to deliver results because it's the wrong vaccine for wrong virus. Initially bird flu only infected birds with 100% mortality. Now it has started to spread to humans.

The H5N1 Bird Flu virus mainly reproduces in lung tissues. The H represents a protein found on the virus that helps it to enter cells. The N represents a protein that helps the virus escape the host cell. The H5N1 Bird Flu virus is a new type of influenza, a virus that originated in birds. Most individuals in a target population will have very little immunity from this new virus.

Bird flu is spreading all over Europe and Asia. At the moment it is enough if you stay away from the birds, but when virus mutates that won't be enough. On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world could at any time be faced with a massive flu outbreak like those of 1918 or 1968 that killed tens of millions of people.

"The flu pandemic is more likely to occur in the next 12 months than in any time in the past decades. I hope it never happens but almost certainly it will happen. Australians are unused to contemplating death on a large-scale ...since WW2." says the Australian Federal Health Minister, Mr. Abbott on July 30, 2005.

At the moment H5N1 has mortality rate of at least 50% in cases of bird to human infections. Some scientists expect this high mortality to drop if this virus becomes pandemic but this is only an assumption and may not occur. Even with a 5% mortality rate at least 160 million people will die directly from the pandemic and this does not include the possible following deaths because of the likely breakdown of essential services, such as food, water, and medical supplies.

I suggest everybody to find out RIGHT NOW what they are dealing with. There is much information floating in Internet. Australian biologist Stephen Jones has collected complete bird flu information package what deals with subjects like 'how to care infected person', 'how to survive' and everything else you possible need to know about bird flu. You can find Bird Flu Survival Guide at www.survivebirdfluguide.com.

Check out Stephen's complete information package of bird flu! Bird Flu Survival Guide: www.survivebirdfluguide.com

Key Differences Between Bird Flu And Other Flu Types

There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Of these, type A is further classified into subtypes, H and N. Type A affects people and numerous animals, while B and C typically affect humans only. Each type varies in severity, with A being the most dangerous, then B, and C being the least severe.

Bird flu is of the A type of influenza virus, one of more severe types. While several subtypes and strains exist, H5N1 is the most widely known and feared form of bird flu.

One of the primary differences of bird flu and the other types of the influenza virus is the way it is transmitted. Other strains of the flu virus, common among humans, are passed from human to human through saliva and mucus. This is done through sneezing, coughing, or breathing on or near someone. H5N1, on the other hand, is only transmitted from poultry to humans, and is done so through direct contact with the animals or their feces.

Another difference between the regular flu virus and H5N1 is the availability of a vaccine. The regular flu has been an irritant to people for some time. As a result, steps were taken long ago to challenge the virus and lessen the impact it had on people. Every year, people go in droves to receive a flu vaccine to avoid the virus. However, a vaccine has not been developed for the mutated form of bird flu that is to come. The reason for this is multifaceted. One reason is the lengthy development process. H5N1 has been a serious threat to humans for less than two years, since the outbreak of the virus began in Vietnam in January of 2004. Therefore, there has not been significant time to research and create a vaccine for the virus. Also, little purpose lies in creating a vaccine for the current strain of H5N1, as the real threat will come when the virus mutates. A vaccine that is developed now will be useless when mutation occurs, at which point a vaccine will really be needed. So, the virus must first be allowed to mutate and only then can an effective vaccine be developed.

The other variation between bird flu and other flu strains is the severity of the symptoms. While symptoms of sneezing, coughing, sore throat and fever are similar, the symptoms easily become severe in cases of bird flu.

Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn?s Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now. Click here now and read more of her articles.

Where Are The Greatest Risk Area For Bird Flu?

With Bird Flu in the news, people are wondering where it may be safe to avoid this deadly virus. While the answer to this question may be very simple now, in a few weeks or months, it may be a different story.

The first outbreak of the deadly strain of bird flu in humans was in Hong Kong in 1997. A major outbreak then occurred in January of 2004 in Vietnam and Thailand that resulted in the virus popping up in most of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Recently, a low pathogenic form of H5N1, the dangerous form of bird flu, surfaced in Canada. From this, it may be assumed that southern parts of North America, South America, and other countries distanced from Asia are safe. However, with the track record of this virus, that may not be the case.

Without a doubt, the area of greatest risk for Bird Flu currently is Vietnam, where the largest number of infections and death has occurred. Any area in Asia with a large poultry population, from farming or agriculture, is at risk, as consuming infected meat has been a primary cause of becoming infected. On the same note, many countries in Asia, Europe, and recently the Middle East, should be concerned with the possibility of ingested infected poultry. As migratory birds may also carry the disease, it may be extend over widespread areas as well as from agricultural sources.

Likewise, considering the rapid spread of bird flu, the case in Canada should be of concern for residents of North America as well; in less than two years, Asia and Europe were consumed with the disease. Although the case in Canada was a low pathogenic form of H5N1, meaning it is less dangerous, the fact that it made its way to the continent should not be taken lightly and the possibility of the virus spreading south is a very serious threat.

As long as bird flu is being transmitted from poultry to humans, and not from human to human contact, the areas of concern will surround large poultry populations, from wild or agricultural birds. However, if the strain mutates and is passed from human to human, the risk area will grow rapidly and be concentrated in places with high or dense populations. Likewise, areas of particular concern will be those with limited medical care. Areas with advanced medicine that may be able to produce a vaccine may not be as devastated by the mutated strain of the virus.

About the Author: Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn?s Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now. Click here now and re