Bird Flu

Definition
· Bird Flu is the condition of infection with the influenza virus H5N1, which is typically found in birds.

• Overview
· Bird Flu is found in birds and ducks in Southeast Asia
· Bird Flu infection in humans has been reported from Asia to the Middle East to Europe and Africa.
· Bird Flu infection in humans is associated with a mortality rate greater than 50% and there is a concern that Bird Flu may cause a global epidemic.
· Children and young adults who traditionally are more resistant to the usual influenza, are relatively more susceptible to avian influenza.
· There is also great concern that the Bird Flu virus may mutate to a form that will allows for a greater ability of transmission from human host to other human host.

• Types
· influenza A subtype (H5N1)

• Symptoms
· Symptoms are identical to the usual influenza
· cough
· shortness of breath
· fever
· malaise
· muscle and joint aches
· headache
· nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

• Complications
· pneumonia
· respiratory failure and death greater than 50% of cases

• Treatment
· neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir and zanamivir

References
American College of Physicians; Barnitz L et al. The health care response to pandemic influenza. Ann Intern Med. 2006 Jul 18;145(2):135–7. [PMID: 16801625]
Beigel JH et al; Writing Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) Consultation on Human Influenza A/H5. Avian influenza (H5N1) in humans. N Engl J Med. 2005 Sep 29;353(13):1374–85. [PMID: 16192482]

Posted on September 24, 2008

One Response to “Bird Flu”

  1. Health and Wellness: Medicues Swine Flu and You says:
    April 26, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    [...] spread from human to human. · Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is similar to the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) designated H5N1. · Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus likely spreads like other forms of influenza, [...]

    Reply

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