Antiviral drugs are prescribed for their effect against the influenza viruses, including the swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anti-viral medications for the prevention of influenza (chemoprophylaxis) as well as...
When it comes to influenza, two FDA-approved drugs were found to be effective treatments for the 2009-20010 flu season---oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Two other flu drugs have been approved by the FDA, rimantadine (Flumadine) and...
Tamiflu, also known by its generic name, oseltamivir, is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of influenza. It works by slowing down the rate at which viruses infect cells. However, in common with other antivirals, Tamiflu does not eliminate...
When avian influenza, or influenza A subtype H5N1, appeared in China a decade ago, it caused the mass slaughter of fowl in an attempt to contain the disease. Today, the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, in the United States have gained much...
Successful treatment of bird flu begins with early detection and diagnosis. Bird flu, otherwise known as avian influenza, is most often identified by swabbing the nose or throat and performing a laboratory test. Since your signs and symptoms will...
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by an individualized strain of the influenza virus. The Mayo Clinic explains that bird flu is not often contracted by people, but, when it is, it can be deadly, with over...
Flu, or seasonal influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a viral infection. Most people will suffer from flu at some point in their lives and the vast majority recover completely within a few weeks. Certain people such as...
According to the MedicineNet.com, influenza is a viral infection that enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes. The flu is highly contagious and the first symptoms appear quickly after exposure to the virus. Since flu is caused by a virus,...
A virus, considered a microorganism, consists of an ultramicroscopic fragment of either DNA or RNA with a protein sheath wrapped around it. Unlike bacteria, viruses do not grow, play no valuable role in earthly life and show no sign of activity...
Bird flu, also known as avian flu or avian influenza, is an infection by viruses normally residing in healthy, wild birds. Avian influenza, however, can cause serious illness and death in domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys and ducks,...
There's never a good time to have a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, cough, body aches, fatigue and low-grade fever--symptoms of an upper respiratory infection also known as the common cold. Rest and fluids are the recommended treatment....
The flu is caused by viruses in the family Orthomyxoviridae. Influenza viruses types A and B cause seasonal flu outbreaks, and the flu vaccine provides protection against both virus types. Although these viruses have many similarities, they also...
Bird flu, also known as avian flu or avian influenza, in humans is caused by influenza A virus specific to birds. The disease derives its name from the fact that birds infected with influenza A virus transmit it to humans, causing avian flu....
Viruses are parasites that cannot reproduce on their own. They recognize specific molecules on the surface of target cells and bind to them. After entering the cells, viruses take off their protein coat'a process called un-coating'to release the...
