With these worries in mind, the United States have closely followed the situation and with general fears that the disease could spread to their territory as well, federal and local authorities have been handed over a plan to prevent and be ready to deal with a possible avian influenza outbreak in the country. It is not clear if and when this will happen, but one can look to previous experiences and other events for clues as to how serious the threat really is for the American country.

Recent violent outbreaks in places such as Indonesia, which is now the world’s most heavily hit country, counting 47 human victims, are now followed by discoveries of low pathogenic bird flu viruses in some spots in U.S. The first one to raise fears was the case of two wild swans living on a lake in the state of Michigan. Routine tests found traces of a mild form of bird flu virus on the birds. The announcement was made by a White House spokesman, with details being given afterwards by officials from the Agriculture and Interior Departments. While the news was given high importance, experts claim there is no reason for concern, as the virus in question is in no way related to the Asian form and is no threat to humans. More recently, wild mallard ducks from Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, were found to carry the same pathogenic agent. The same reassurances were given by U.S. officials and although some people see this as a preview for possible bird flu outbreaks, health experts say mild and low pathogenic strains of avian influenza such as this one are common in the United States, as well as other countries. Since 1975, the low pathogenic strain of the H5N1 virus (the highly pathogenic form of which is causing high mortality in Asia) has been found on six other occasions on U.S. soil.

However, claims from other researchers warn that a more aggressive form of the disease could come to the American continent as early as this fall. Indeed, summer is a rather quiet period for the virus and the large number of cases in Asia during this time is due to the virus residing there for a long period of time. Come fall, large populations of wild fowl will cover thousands of miles on regular migratory paths. These birds are the natural carriers of the virus and are also quite resistant to it. Thus, they can carry the disease for great distances, without falling ill or succumbing to the disease and showing any signs of an infection. One particular reason for concern is the Alaskan territory. Its vicinity to the Asian continent makes it one of the possible points of entry for the disease. It is also a meeting place for water fowl, as wild birds from both Asia and America choose it as a feeding and nesting environment during the summer months. U.S. authorities have implemented a plan for the summer of 2006 which included the testing of more than 15,000 birds from 27 species in the region.

The program was extended to a nationwide level as you can read on www.bird-flu-center.com, as surveillance and constant testing is seen as an effective method of preparing for a possible outbreak of the disease. Biologists are set to test tens of thousands of birds. Locally, individual counties have also prepared pandemic plans and are carrying out drills for a worst case scenario. Hospitals are setting up special units for avian influenza patients, while schools and university campuses are also preparing. In the case of a pandemic, social disruption might force such institutions to close down, as they would be a suitable environment for the virus to spread. Another prevention measure used is banning poultry and poultry products imports from countries where avian flu has been found.

Although it is widely believed that some form of bird flu epidemic will eventually occur, there are those that play down the warnings. However, countries around the world choose to play the safety card and take prevention measures. Grim estimates say that if a pandemic occurs, it will kill 1.7 million Americans in the first year alone, as a vaccine takes months to produce after the start of an epidemic. On the other hand, we can still hope the disease will be contained and dealt with before before such an outcome is reached. It is, in the end, just a matter of wait and see.

Velicu George

FEMA CONCENTRATION CAMPS: Ready for Martial Law. There over 800 prison camps in the United States, all fully operational and ready to receive prisoners. They are all staffed and even surrounded by full-time guards, but remain empty. These camps are to be operated by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) after Martial Law is declared in the United States which is only a presidential signature away. Hundreds of thousands of Burial Vaults courtesy Polygaurd. Mass Grave sites popping up around the country. And the trains standing ready for the ride. Wake up America

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A virus is a microorganism that is not visible to the naked eye. It is highly contagious and communicable. A virus attacks and clips to a living cell of the human body. It then discharges its DNA or RNA, which smashes the original genetic material and functioning of the cell. But before the victimized cell expires, it leaves or releases more of that virus. The virus multiplied in such a fashion impedes the growth and working of other healthy cells too, so much so that sooner or later the entire body comes in its grips. However, the immune system of the body endeavors its best to brawl the viral attack. But it does not succeed in all the cases. Due to this reason, the doctors and dieticians prescribe a healthy diet rich in nutrition that strengthens the resistance of the body.

The Residence and Transmission of Virus- there are different types of viruses known. Some infect humans, others animals and a few affect both. Viruses are everywhere in our surroundings. They can be transmitted via the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink, sexual contact etc.

Some common Viral Infections- there are some well known viruses and the diseases caused by them.

· HIV virus is one that destroys the cells in the immune system of our body. It is therefore named as HIV i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV takes the form of AIDS at an advanced later stage. HIV virus reaches the human body through several ways such as- via sex with a partner who is already living with HIV, though infected mother’s milk to her child, through human saliva, HIV contaminated needles, syringes and so forth.

Thus, one should be very cautious regarding all these factors. Completely safety should be observed to avert lifelong HIV infection especially because no adequate cure is yet available to eliminate the effect of HIV.

· Hepatitis is even caused by virus. Since different kinds of viruses are at work, there are different types of hepatitis. These viruses harm the human liver, which results in its burning or Inflammation.
TRUTH About SWINE FLU 1976 part 1 of 2

Hepatitis A and E spread via the food and water of the infected person and through anal sex. There exists a vaccine for hepatitis A but not for E. Hepatitis B is caused by unprotected sex, childbirth and contact with infected person. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B and it is better nowadays to get vaccinated against it. This sterilization also ceases the threat to be caught by hepatitis D in future. Hepatitis C virus is transferred by the way of contaminated blood and is cured through medicines.

A possible prevention to hepatitis is to maintain hygiene and vigilance in matters of sex and contacts with other persons.

· West Nile Virus is known for causing diseases in animals, birds as well as humans. In humans the WNV reaches through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the virus enters an individual’s blood, it can get transferred to all those who come in contact with it though blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeed and so forth.

In order to prevent oneself from the WNV, check the population of mosquitoes in your area and near your house. Don’t allow water logging, open bins, unhygienic sanitation, open pits etc. in your vicinity.Medication through drugs and no vaccination per se is present for WNV.

· Mostly the Asian and African continents encounter the threat of Polio Virus. This virus can result in a minor to complete paralysis. The poliovirus can infect person of any age. Due to the lack of hygiene this virus comes in the air through human feces and gets circulated. It enters the human body through his mouth and makes its way to the intestines. This virus particularly damages the legs of the person. The paralysis in legs due to poliovirus cannot be cured. It also destroys the respiratory system by making the breathing muscles immobile.

Most often polio hits the infants. Polio drops and vaccines are available everywhere. People should take them and give these to their kids too.

Mansi Gupta

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The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew

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Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew

This film explains to students at UK Universities what swine flu is, how the disease is spread and some of the steps they can take to minimise the risk of infection on campus.

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Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.
Swine Flu : How to Recognize Swine Flu in Humans

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew

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Tamiflu is the only effective medicine to fight against bird flu. In the past one year time, it has emerged as one of the most effective drugs against bird flu. More and more doctors in the effected parts of the world are writing prescriptions for Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), an antiviral medication, for treating flu caused by influenza virus. Tamiflu attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading inside your body. You should contact your doctor and begin treatment within 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms.
Tamiflu has been found to be most effective in treating avian influenza patients as it attacks and destroys the influenza virus rather than just masking the symptoms.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug marketed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. It belongs to a group of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors and can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the type a and b strains of the flu, as well as bird flu. Each 75-milligram capsule contains the active chemical oseltamivir, as well as several inactive ingredients. Scientists synthesize oseltamivir from shikimic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in plants like Chinese star anise, ginkgo, spruce, pine and fir trees. Tamiflu targets a protein called neuraminidase that lives on the flu virus cells. This protein helps the flu virus break through the cell walls so it can move on to other cells and replicate itself. Tamiflu inhibits the neuraminidase protein, so that the virus can’t leave the cell to infect other cells. Eventually, the virus dies. Tamiflu can’t stop the flu entirely. Yet, studies have shown that if it is taken within 48 hours of showing symptoms, it can shorten the duration of the flu (strains A and B). Patients with the flu who took it felt better 30 percent (or 1.3 days) faster than people who didn’t take it. The drug also can help protect you from getting the flu if you’re exposed to someone who has it. But Tamiflu can’t prevent the spread of the disease, and it won’t stop illnesses (like the common cold) that resemble the flu.

For the treatment of flu, Tamiflu should be taken twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) for five days. Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. As with many medicines, if taken with a light snack, milk, or a meal, the potential for stomach upset may be reduced. One must complete the entire treatment of ten doses, even if he/she is feeling better. Never share Tamiflu with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms. It is important that you begin treatment with Tamiflu as soon as possible or from the first appearance of flu symptoms. If you forget to take your medicine at any time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is near the next dose (within 2 hours). You can continue to take Tamiflu at the usual times. You do not need to take a double-dose. If you have missed several doses, inform your doctor and follow the advice given to you. If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash while taking Tamiflu, contact your healthcare professional immediately. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding while taking Tamiflu, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. Tamiflu is normally not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.

Tamiflu is generally safe for adults and children ages one and up. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, but you can help prevent them by taking the drug with food. Other, less common side effects are bronchitis, insomnia, skin rashes and vertigo.

There is no real cheap Tamiflu available online as this is a very unique product in marketplace. However, there are only a handful of online pharmacies that seem to be managing the demand so that they don’t have a backlog of orders. So it’s a request to buy Tamiflu only from a genuine online pharmacy.

Norma D’souza

In recent years, the specter of the Avian Bird Flu has been hanging over mankind like a sharp sword. ‘Experts’ have repeatedly stepped to a news microphone to warn that human deaths could reach into the hundreds of millions worldwide – a death carried by birds in their global migratory patterns. A TV show entitled “Fatal Contact” even aired, depicting so many fatalities that their bodies were carried away in dump trucks. When this show aired back in May of 2006, I was actually on a 14 city tour of America entitled: ‘Avian Flu: Killer of Millions?’. This teaching is an updated version of that presentation. This teaching covers so much more than Avian Flu and can be used as an ‘icebreaking’ education tool for both saved and unsaved who may not understand these issues. I endeavored to present the big picture with this presentation & point people to our only hope for any calamity: Jesus Christ. Recently I have gotten several confirmations that the ‘Avian Flu Pandemic’ card is soon to be played, and in reality it is long overdue. Topics will include: Proof the Illuminati telegraphs their punches prior to cataclysmic events, Why Avian Flu is the perfect vehicle for world depopulation, What the globalist elite are planning for Americans, Why the Avian Flu could be a repeat of the Spanish Flu of 1918 that killed millions!, Vaccinations and injectable microchips regarding the Avian Flu, potential kill rates, food shortages, forced vaccinations, project bioshield, and quarantines. I will also extensively cover proactive steps you can take to protect your families and yourself. For a complete listing of the recommendations I made on this presentation go to: media.sermonaudio.com Mild Silver Protein Website is at: www.dr-johnson.com The previous DVD of this presentation is available at cuttingedge.org

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The death of people in certain countries has raised an alarm about the incompetence of science and technology to create a vaccination for bird flu.

The preparation of the bird flu vaccine is not an easy task. The most important fact is that a vaccine for a virus cannot be prepared beforehand since the strain of the virus is not known till it attacks.

The bird flu viruses go on mutating through antigenic shift or drift. The mutation cannot be traced to find out what form it is taking. So, the scientists cannot prepare the vaccine before a pandemic occurs.

Thus, there lies the problem in formulating a vaccination for bird flu. The world is totally unaware of the kind of virus that is going to infest the humankind. Next problem in the line is, the preparation of the vaccination will take a long time after the outbreak. That is, it will take almost six months to prepare a vaccine and a year for its mass distribution.

At present, prototypes of the H5N1 virus vaccination have been prepared by the scientist which are able to provide some kind of protection to the body. The prototype vaccine is not a complete
Squalene/Mercury laden Vaccine’s apparently have Zero side effects

protection against the bird flu. All the health organizations of different countries are still working on it and China has claimed that they have prepared two types of vaccines for the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The vaccination can produce high accentuated antibodies in the immune system that can target the H5N1 virus and remain longer in the immune system. The WHO has acclaimed this effort and will provide China with a prototype vaccine for humans, for developing a more effective vaccine.

It’s a good news that vaccines are soon going to be available for the deadly H5N1 virus which is the present threat to the world. The CDC and WHO are providing instruction to the Health Departments of the countries throughout the world to teach people how to prevent the infection of the bird flu.

There are some antiviral medicines like Tami flu, Relenza, and alike that can be taken to reduce the intensity of the attack and help the immune system of your body to fight.

Let’s hope for better that the vaccines are made available, as soon as possible. Maintain personal hygiene for preventing the virus, because it cannot attack you if you are clean and healthy to beat it.

Ashish Jain

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Since 2003 poultry and other birds have been continuously affected by the bird flu virus. Humans also got affected and it seems that since 16 January 2007, 267 cases of human bird flu infection were registered. These patients got into close contact with infected birds and that is why they got infected too. 161 persons from the group of 267 did not survive the contamination.

Until now scientists declared that the virus is still unable to transmit from human to human, but the population is still concerned about the avian flu as there is a possibility for the virus to mix with a human flu virus and then pass from human to human.

All viruses have the possibility to mutate or mix with other viruses and transform in to more dangerous ones. In case this thing happens a global pandemic can occur and millions of people will die if researchers do not fid an effective vaccine soon.

Until now governments have instituted flu immunization programs to protect those who work with poultry and can contact the virus if the poultry is affected.

This vaccination program is voluntary but until now all the personnel from the poultry industry has presented for a shot. This vaccine is protecting humans from catching the flu human type of virus and so it reduces the possibility for the bird flu virus to mix with a human virus and transform into a more dangerous one. This seasonal flu vaccination does not protect humans against the bird flu virus.

As scientists tell us the bird flu is a disease which affects birds and is highly contagious among them. It is produced by the influenza A viruses. Birds can be mild affected by some viruses and so they develop only mild symptoms, but they can also be severe affected by other viruses which lead to their death. It seems that the bird flu virus is one of the most pathogenic strains of virus that can affect a bird.

The virus is shed in feathers, droppings and Secretions of birds and so it can easily spread to other birds and even humans through inhalation or ingestion.

The most affected birds are the poultry. It seems that the wild birds like ducks and geese are the carriers of the virus but they do not have any symptoms of the illness. These birds are spreading the virus to the poultry which will develop the disease as they are more vulnerable to epidemics.

The influenza A virus has many different subtypes. The H5 subtypes along with the H5N1 are considered to be quite dangerous and are a threat to humans. The H7 and H9 also caused severe infections in poultry but none of them was as dangerous as H5N1 is.

The outbreak of H5N1 began in mid-December 2003 in poultry from South Korea and until now it has affected birds from Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. This virus resembles very much with the one that caused a lot of damage among poultry in 1997 in Hong Kong.

The world governments have instituted controls in order to prevent illegal importation of dead poultry, of living birds or illegal entries of ill persons in certain countries.

For more information about bird flu or even about asian bird flu please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/asian-bird-flu.htm

Groshan Fabiola

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Influenza viruses are classified into the A, B and C types. A type viruses are the most dangerous and they may affect both people and numerous animals simultaneously whereas B and C type viruses typically affect humans only and they are the least severe amongst the three. Of these, A type viruses are further sub-categorized into subtypes such as the H and N strains. Is bird flu virus deadly?

One of most severe of A type influenza viruses is the much feared bird flu virus with the deadly H5N1 strain being the most widely known and notoriously dangerous.

The bird flu virus is very much like other subtypes of influenza viruses. However, the primary difference between the bird flu viruses and other types of influenza viruses is the way it is being transmitted. Other strains of influenza viruses that are common among humans are passed from one person to another through microscopic droplets of saliva or mucus in the atmosphere, via direct contact either with the infected person or through sneezing and coughing.

On the other hand, the H5N1 strain is not transmitted through human contact. Instead, improper handling or ingestion of infected poultry, through either regular direct contact with potentially dangerous poultry or their feces will increase the possibility of contracting the disease. Another common way is to consume infected animals that are not cooked fully or thoroughly.

The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus was first identified in humans in 1997. Prior to this incident that happened in Hong Kong, there were no known cases of it infecting humans. Then, several major outbreaks occurred in 2004 and the following years whereby at least one hundred and fifty people died in neighboring Asian countries such as Cambodia, mainland China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam and Thailand. The virus subsequently surfaced in other parts of Asia and Europe, including some Middle East countries.

It is also believed that this particular virus was not always a threat to humans. Since the identification of the virus first in the early nineteenth century, it has mutated with our influenza viruses and transformed into different forms. It is the ongoing vitality of such mutation that causes fear and concern surrounding the H5N1 strain. This is because the virus has been persistently manipulating itself to survive in varying environments and relentlessly bypassing treatment techniques.

The great devastation of the H5N1 strain can be rapidly identified when a person becomes infected with the deadly bird flu virus. The strain will cause an exaggerated response to his cytokines, which are small proteins produced throughout the body in response to an immune stimulus that regulate the entire immune system. This increase creates an imbalance and instability to the system and gives a negative effect to the body as it indirectly lowers its resistance to the virus. In addition, it slows down other aspects of the immune system thus giving the virus the liberty to create rampancy within the body.

In many other sicknesses, antibiotics are administered to suppress the immune system and fight the infection. However, antibiotics are ineffective in treating a person infected with the H5N1 strain, as the virus is not bacterial in nature.

Although measures had been taken to challenge the virus and lessen the impact it had on people as well as to refrain the virus from becoming severe, a vaccine has yet to be developed for the long anticipated mutated forms of bird flu viruses that may cause a potential global pandemic. Besides not having significant time for researches, a vaccine that is created now will not be of use when mutation occurs, as the nature of the future virus is not known.

As such, the most effective way to avoid contacting the bird flu virus is prevention. Proper and good hygiene habits reduce the risk of the spread of the deadly bird flu virus. These include simple practices such as washing your hands thoroughly before preparing food and taking meals, utilizing hand sanitizer as well as avoiding unnecessary direct contact with sick people, especially those with flu-like symptoms. Until a new vaccine has been discovered, this may be the best way to lower our risk of becoming the next victims.

Ske Chay

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It was first discovered in Italy in 1878 and was even called fowl plague because of the enormity of its effect in chicken livestock. It was however only in 1955 when avian flu was confirmed to be caused by influenza A viruses. Wild fowl is the natural carrier of the virus, though it is not affected by the virus and is only a transmitter to birds, pigs, horses, etc. The bodies (intestines to be more specific) of gulls, waterfowls and shorebirds are said to be “natural reservoirs” of the disease. Their bodies have long adapted to the problem and have developed internal antibodies to combat the virus. The adaptation, however, does not extend to other species. Hence domestic birds are the most affected and other animals and humans are only marginally affected, in numbers. The bird flu virus causes two forms of influenzas, namely, a low pathogenic form which shows only nominal symptoms and a high pathogenic form which affects internal organs and might prove 100% fatal in 48 hours.

The disease is contagious and spreads through air and in manure. The transmission occurs from air, contaminated water, equipments especially those used in animal farms, clothing, etc. At high temperatures the virus gets destroyed, like in prolonged summers, cooking, steaming, fires, etc. but survives for long periods in cold weather. The bird flu virus starts showing its effects in 3 to 5 days, and can be fatal if highly pathogenic. Hundreds and millions of birds get killed every year, since the most commonly practiced way of eliminating the virus is to slaughter the infected animals.

It has a long history of affecting human population in epidemic form. Those subtypes which infect humans are called human influenza virus. The only known ones are H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2, with H5N1 having a potential threat. The symptoms shown in humans are same as those from other influenza, namely, fever, cough, muscle fatigue, conjunctivitis and sometimes breathing problems and fatal pneumonia. Detection of the avian bird flu virus in the human body can be done using general influenza virus tests, but this might be unreliable. The most reliable test till date is microneutralization but is a complicated test and can be performed only in highly professional laboratories. Normal antiviral drugs work against the human influenza virus but other specific drugs for specific new viruses are being developed.

As far as humans are concerned, the bird flu virus has substantial risk of an influenza epidemic in near future. A primary concern is the rapid spreading of the virus

Clive Jenkins