Q.
What Is The Bird Flu?
From Courtney Kraft
Your Guide to Cold/Flu
A. The bird flu, or avian influenza is a type of
influenza that is carried by birds. There are 15 different
types of avian influenzas carried by birds and there have
been reported cases of the type A avian influenza virus
being contracted by humans. The main way a human could
contract the bird flu is through contact with contaminated
poultry and/or surfaces. The virus can also be carried
by pigs.
What makes this virus a concern for the world's health
is that the virus has mutated and become resistant to
medicine. The earliest a vaccine is expected is March
2005. Until then, emphasis is on containment of the virus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans include typical
influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat,
and muscle aches) to eye infections (conjunctivitis),
pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia,
and other severe and life-threatening complications, according
to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
How to Protect Yourself
"Cook poultry and poultry products (eggs included) thoroughly.
Each piece of chicken should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit
(heat can kill the virus). "Be very clean when handling
raw poultry. Wash you hands and cooking surfaces consistently
and do not cross contaminate food.
The CDC put an embargo on all birds and bird products
from several areas of Southeast Asia. Antiviral drugs,
some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention
are clinically effective against influenza A virus strains
in otherwise healthy adults and children.
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