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What is Avian Influenza?


Avian influenza is also known as Bird flu. It is one of the viral infection which causes an infection not only in birds, but also in humans as well as other animals. However, most of the forms of avian influenza is restricted to birds.


H5N1, the most common forms of avian influenza is deadly to birds and therefore can easily affect human beings and other animals coming in contact with a carrier. Experts have commented that today, this virus isn’t known to spread through contact of one human being to another. Yet, some experts are known to be worried for H5N1 that may pose a risk of becoming a pandemic threat in human beings. Avian influenza or H5N1 infection have symptoms such as cough, respiratory difficulties, diarrhea, malaise, headache, runny nose, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, etc. In case you are exposed to bird flu, then you should be notifying the staff prior to arriving at the doctor's office or hospital so that even they can take precautions for protecting their staff and other patients.


Causes of Avian Influenza

Avian influenza causes are mainly post getting in contact with infected birds. Mentioned below are some of the other things related to human illness:


  • touch or defeathering of infected birds
  • touch or breath in feces as well as other secretions of infected birds
  • preparing poultry which is infected for cooking
  • butchering of any infected poultry
  • handling of birds for sale
  • attending markets that sell live bird
    • Bird droppings also contain the virus. There are higher chances of contaminating feed, vehicles, equipment, shoes, soil, clothing, dust as well as water.
    • The feet or other body parts of animals may can also carry the H5N1 virus.

It is said that if you consume cooked poultry or eggs, it does not cause infection. But, experts recommend cooking poultry until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.


Types of Avian Influenza


Types of Avian Influenza and their subtypes of type A influenza viruses are many. The subtypes may differ due to certain proteins on the virus surface (hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA] proteins). Each different mixture of HA and NA proteins leads to a different subtype of the virus. Infection with certain avian influenza A viruses say for instance some H5 and H7 strains may also lead to the widespread disease as well as death amongnst some species of domestic birds. The H5N1 avian influenza virus and H7N9 virus have caused bird flu in human beings, in certain parts of the world. In some people, avian flu that is caused by the H5N1 virus is extremely aggressive and therefore poorly understood. Avian influenza leads to a higher rate in death rate in humans, maybe since humans have lower immune system protection against the viruses of avian influenza.


Treatment


What should you do in case your Avian Influenza worsens?


It is important that you consult your healthcare specialist or your family doctor if you feel that you have avian influenza symptoms or signs and the same are worsening.


What are the available Avian Influenza treatment options?

Mentioned below are some of the Avian Influenza treatment options:


  • As per the WHO, antiviral medications can overpower the viral replication and result in improvement in outcomes for patients. Antivirals can also help in prevention of some cases from becoming fatal.
  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) should be given within 48 hours posts avian influenza symptoms appear, for best effect. But, due to high mortality rates, doctors may recommend oseltamivir post this time
  • The dose as well as the length of treatment will have dependency on the severity of your case. It is said that those who suffer from gastrointestinal problems, may find it difficult for absorbing the drug as effectively as others.
  • It is recommended to stay indoors or isolated in case you suffer from avian influenza or bird flu.
  • Your doctor apart from recommending Tamiflu, may also advise the patients to rest, take proper medications in case of pain and fever, take proper nutritive food, etc.
  • Certain patients having other complications like bacterial pneumonia are very common in patients suffering from H5N1. In cases like these, antibiotics as well as need for oxygen will be required.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Avian Influenza?

Mentioned below are some of the homemade remedies for avian influenza:


  • Turmeric: This is one of the best remedies for colds and flu that also includes bird flu. Turmeric has a compound named curcumin containing potent antiviral, antibacterial as well as antifungal, anticancer properties.
  • Garlic is another potent natural remedy that can fight against infections effectively. It has been used for centuries for its anti-viral and antibiotic characteristics.
  • Olive leaf extract is a very strong enhancer of the immune system supporting the blood as well as lymphatic systems for fighting the bird flu. It also contains antibacterial as well as antiviral properties
  • Green tea is known to cure bird flu naturally. Being rich in antioxidants, it contains ingredients having strong anti-viral properties. It also aids in restricting the release of the enzyme named as neuraminidase that the bird flu virus needs in order to reproduce.
  • Astragalus is a herb that aids in enhancing the immuse system, resulting in strengthening the body and thereby making you less vulnerable to the flu. This herb has antiviral capabilities.

When to see a doctor?


In case you suspect of having a bird flu or avian influenza, you should see your primary care doctor immediately. Also inform people that you may have the bird flu. You should also ask for a surgical mask for wearing during your visit. You will be hospitalized in case you are extremely sick.


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