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Although the Type A influenza virus which is responsible for Avian Flu (or more commonly referred to as Bird Flu) is known to be susceptible to waterfowl and poultry species only, there is a very high possibility that a new viral strain will emerge as a result of the combination of Human Influenza Virus and that of Bird Flu. This is feared to develop into a worldwide phenomenon, a pandemic which humans have no resistance to.

Online Stock Market Trading According to the World Health Organization, similar Flu Pandemics were experienced three times in the 20th Century. Subsequent research showed that in 1997, a sub-strain developed from the mixture and exchange of genetic materials between Human Influenza and Type A Influenza Viruses. This resulted into the discovery of H5N1 strain of influenza virus which affected 18 and killed 6 in Hongkong. In 2004, bird flu was reported to have infected 44 people in several south Asian countries, killing 32.

Avian bird flu on the other hand is a form of flu that was originally believed to infect birds only, but turned up among humans in Hong Kong in 1997. Avian bird flu can affect humans, but only when they come in close contact with live infected birds and manage to inhale the virus. fever, malaise, sore throats and coughs.

Stock Investing Course The H5N1 strain, according to genetic studies, is said to mutate rapidly and is passed through direct contact with poultry and water birds excreta. This explains why the outbreaks first occurred in predominant poultry-producing countries in Asia such as China and Vietnam. The strain is also said to be passed on from person to person through direct contact and in some cases, airborne through droplet infection.

This is the first case of a flock of German farm poultry contracting bird flu, the wire service reports, although several cases of the virus were found in wild birds in Germany this year. Health officials remain alert to the possibility that the avian flu virus could mutate and cause it to be transmitted from human to human. Although the World Health Organization puts the number of human deaths from avian flu at 190, none of them is ascribed to contagion between humans, the AP reports.

Stock Market Game Signs and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, sore throat, cough and in fatal cases, respiratory distress secondary to viral pneumonia. Anti-virals (Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir, and Zanamivir) are drugs of choice for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. These drugs have proven activity against the HN51 viruses. However, there are other influenza strains that can be resistant to these drugs.

Normally the avian bird flu viruses do not affect humans but since 1997 (when the first case of avian bird flu among humans appeared in Hong Kong), this kind of flu has infected and killed several humans in the South East Asian countries. While WHO does not recommend avoiding travels to these countries, it does advice staying away from live animal markets and poultry farms. This is because the droppings of infected birds generally carry large quantities of the virus.

Stock Investing Game World Health Organization's list of prevention techniques include, proper hand washing and food handling, thorough cooking of poultry products such as chicken, ducks and turkeys, and avoidance of direct contact with bird excreta especially in public markets and poultry farms.

Influenza Treatments Influenza normally afflicts people in autumn and winter, which means the time of influenza affliction is just around the corner. Of late, the threat of the flu has doubled with the feared spread of avian bird flu. Both influenza and avian bird flu can be treated through various medications, all of which are prescription medicines.

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Erika Alexia is a writer for HTTP://WWW.ABC-BIRD-FLU.INFO. An information resource for Understanding Avian Bird Flu

Influenza (also commonly known as the flu) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Caused by the influenza virus, it can generally hit anyone at any time. However autumn and winter are the most active seasons for the flu virus. These are also the season when migratory birds bring with them an increased threat of avian bird flu. remember, it's free and without any obligation.

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