Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Be prepared for an outbreak of bird flu
The World Health Organization is worried that an avian bird flu virus
and a human influenza virus might mix, or the avian flu virus
could mutute into a form that could be easily passed from person to
person.
This new strain of influenza virus could spread rapidly around the world, infecting
many people.
There is no vaccine for the H5N1 influenza virus for humans, but there
are anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu that can be used as treatment.
Tamiflu is a tablet that has an antiviral
action, and if taken within
48 hours of the onset of the flu can help to lessen the severity and/or
duration of symptoms. It is unknown at this stage how well Tamiflu
will work against the bird flu. When people have seasonal
influenza, rather than killing the virus, Tamiflu reduces symptoms
and may shorten the duration of illness by a day and a half. If
healthy people who are ill with influenza take it, they are
less likely to develop complications of influenza. Tamiflu
is a prescription medicine and you will need to discuss with your doctor if it is appropriate
for you.
Please see the following products for non-medical measures you can take
to decrease the chances of catching the bird flu, in the event of an
outbreak.
Non-medical preventative measures
  
For more information, please see the Ministry of Health's
website on bird flu
|
