The avian flu is also referred to as avian influenza, bird flu or the H5N1 virus. This type of virus infects birds and has also been known to cause infections in humans. Birds in the wild carry the avian influenza in their intestines. Most of these wild birds do not get sick from the virus. Domesticated birds such as turkeys, chickens and other fowl can contract the virus and spread it to humans.
Infection
Avian flu is spread through an infected bird's nasal secretions, feces and saliva. If domesticated birds come in contact with any of these things they can become contaminated with the influenza. Domesticated birds contact the virus by walking or pecking along dirty surfaces such as puddles, driveways or yards. Their food and water may also become contaminated from wild birds. Humans are at a slight risk for infection if they come within direct contact of any contaminated birds' feathers, saliva, feces or feed. If humans come in direct contact or eat raw or bloody poultry of an infected fowl, they may also become infected.
Location
Most human strains of the avian flu are isolated in Africa, Europe and Asia. Although it can spread anywhere. Many of these areas are where fowl runs wild and intermingles with wild birds. Most of the domesticated birds may not be caged or confined and are allowed to run free and scavenge through other wild animal droppings for food scraps. Dirty cages, water and food areas also play a role in these locations. These situations pose the greatest risk for the presence of the virus.
Signs and Symptoms
For humans, the signs and symptoms of avian flu are similar to that of other forms of influenza or flu. Most symptoms start off with a fever, sore throat, coughing spells, muscle or body aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also appear such as stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases eye infections may also occur.
Danger
In some cases the respiratory symptoms can become more advanced and lead to life threatening conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and severe breathing difficulties. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration rather quickly. Both are serious dangers and advanced side effects directly resulting from the avian flu.
Prevention
The best way to prevent getting the avian flu is to stay clear from fowl that may be contaminated with the avian flu. Making sure that you wear protective gloves and masks will help combat the spread of the virus. There is a prophylactic antiviral medication for prevention of the virus to be used during an outbreak. This should be administered once a year or as recommended by the World Health Organization, CDC or your family doctor. Medication, along with establishing proper hand washing techniques, will help prevent the spread of the virus.
