Bird Flu

Avian influenza or bird flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus known as Type A, of which hundreds of subtypes exist. Influenza viruses affect birds worldwide, from wild birds to domesticated birds (such as chickens and ducks). While it appears that all birds are susceptible to avian influenza virus infection, many birds carry the virus without symptoms of illness.

Although influenza viruses usually affect only one species, since 1959 several cases of bird-to-human virus transmission have been documented. In recent years, the H5N1 strain of influenza virus has caused worldwide concern because it is highly pathogenic in humans, causing severe illness or death.

Of all influenza viruses present in birds, H5N1 poses the greatest health risk. Not only has it caused the most cases of severe disease and death in humans, but its ability to mutate means it could potentially develop characteristics enabling rapid spread, and possibly a global pandemic.

So severe are the implications of broad transmission of the H5N1 virus, that in 1997, when 18 human cases of the disease were determined to arise from contact with diseased poultry, Hong Kong's entire poultry population (about 1.5 million birds) was destroyed within less than a week. Some people believe that this drastic action helped to avert a worldwide pandemic.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

The clinical course of H5N1 infection remains unclear. After a person is exposed to the virus, incubation (the time from infection to first symptoms) may exceed the 2-3 day period common for seasonal influenza. Some observations suggest incubation may range from 2 days up to 17 days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends that a 7-day incubation period be used for investigations and monitoring of people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Early symptoms of avian influenza vary and may include high fever (>38C/100.4F), diarrhoea, vomiting, chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, and bleeding from the nose and gums. Once symptoms appear, deterioration is rapid. Some severe cases have reported respiratory failure within 3-5 days, while in other reports respiratory distress occurred within 4-13 days. As the condition worsens, multi-organ dysfunction is common, particularly involving the heart and kidneys.

How to Treat Bird Flu

There is limited evidence that the antiviral drug oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) may reduce the H5N1 influenza virus' ability to replicate in the body, thereby improving survival. The same evidence suggests that Tamiflu must be taken within 48 hours of initial symptoms to be effective. However, other evidence shows that treatment later in the course of the disease can also be effective.

Oseltamivir (and other antiviral drugs) were initially developed to combat common seasonal influenza, which is less severe and associated with more limited viral replication. Many governments around the world have stockpiled Tamiflu as a precautionary measure, in case of a global bird flu pandemic.

The WHO is currently reviewing recommendations concerning the optimal dosage and treatment-duration of people affected by H5N1 influenza virus.

Bird Flu products from Netpharmacy:

Bird Flu Family Kit

Face Masks

Gloves

Hand Sanitizers

Good Health Viralex capsules

Sambucol Anti-Viral Liquid

Nutralife Oliviral capsules

Clinicians Viractive Seasonal 50 Caps

Tamiflu

If you think you may have been exposed to the H5N1 influenza virus, or if you are experiencing signs or symptoms of bird flu, contact your doctor or local emergency room immediately, and limit your contact with other people until your doctor advises otherwise.

Helpful Links

Avian Influenza A - New Zealand Ministry of Health

Bird Flu FAQ - New Zealand Food Safety Authority

Tamiflu - Medsafe New Zealand

Avian Flu Facts Sheet for 2006 - The United Nation's World Health Organization