Avian Influenza
(Bird Flu · Flu, Avian · Influenza, Bird)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Avian Influenza
A doctor can perform tests that identify the flu virus by swabbing the nose or throat. If you have recently travelled to an area of the world where avian flu occurs and have any of the symptoms of the flu, you should see your doctor.
Be sure to tell the doctor where you have visited and whether or not you were at a farm or open market with live animals.
Treating and Preventing Avian Influenza
There are treatments to help those with bird flu. Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir) is the class of medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing bird flu-related deaths.
There is no preventative vaccine for bird flu currently available to the public. However, there is a vaccine that is reserved in stockpiles by the government in case of a pandemic.
Preventing the spread of bird flu is a global effort. Steps taken to prevent the disease or stop the spread of disease include:
- destroying birds carrying or suspected of carrying the virus: When the virus is detected in birds, the priority is to quickly reduce the chance of spreading the disease to humans by detecting and destroying infected and exposed birds. The virus dies if heated at 56°C for 3 hours or 60°C for 30 minutes.
- disinfecting farm equipment, clothing, and boots: Boots, other farm equipment, and even rodents can act as vehicles that move the virus from farm to farm. Removing the virus from areas of infection requires the use of disinfectants like formalin and iodine compounds.
- limiting, restricting, or banning the shipment of live birds within and between countries that have had bird flu epidemics: Spread of the virus from farm to farm is possible due to the virus being excreted in bird droppings. Quarantine of farms is necessary to reduce the spread of the disease.
There are ways to protect yourself from catching the bird flu. People who are travelling in areas where the bird flu has occurred need to take special precautions to reduce the chance of exposure to the bird flu virus. Keep these tips in mind when travelling:
- Get a flu shot. It won't prevent avian influenza, but it can prevent some strains of human influenza. This helps avoid the situation of becoming infected with both avian and human influenza at the same time. Having both infections increases the risk that the avian and human viruses will share genes, leading to potentially dangerous virus mutations.
- Avoid small farms where birds are grown in large numbers.
- Avoid raw eggs and foods made with eggs (e.g., mayonnaise, ice cream).
- Avoid open-air markets.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Avian-Influenza
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