Avian Flu
Avian Flu
The Spanish Flu; the Swine Flu; the Novel Flu; the H1N1 Virus; whatever you want to call it, it has affected more than 40% of the population throughout time. Now, if that was not bad enough, scientists have discovered an infection which could double the effects of that, the H5N1 Virus, more commonly known as the Bird Flu.
1. The H5N1 Virus, or the Avian Flu, or the Bird Flu is not surprisingly, found in wild birds. Since the diseases discovery, it has only been able to pass from bird to bird, but recently scientists theorize that the infection will be able to move from the infected bird to humans, in only a few years.
2. The Bird Flu is a virus which infects wild birds. Unfortunately, after a wild bird infects a farm-raised bird, it can quickly spread through hundred or thousands of birds. In order to stop the blitzkrieg, the sick birds must be killed. Although it rare that the flu passes from bird to human; the infection can be passed through; bird droppings and saliva; and intimate objects (eg. cages, tractors, and other assorted farm equipment).
3. The Avian Flu has several of the same symptoms as the seasonal flu; fever, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. If the appropriate steps are not taken an individual can experience pneumonia, or even death.
4. If an individual contracts the avian flu they will be put in medical isolation. In the hospital they will receive several antibiotics, a ventilator to aid in breathing, and a dialysis to aid in the kidneys functions. Unfortunately more than half of the human cases of avian flu, have resulted in death.