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.

Flu

The winter months are upon you. The coughing around you has become a insensate soundtrack; everyone around you begins to complain of a slight headache or an impending fever. That is right; it is the official kick off of flu season. In a veritable ocean of bacteria, how can any one be safe? Well, in order to prevent anything, we must know everything.

1. Although influenza mimics the common cold, it initially hits much harder. While there is 100 types of viruses out there, only the A, B, and C influenza strands cause the flu.

2. When an individual contracts influenza, he/she will experience inflammation with the esophagus, internal dehydration, and depleted internal energy.

3. Individuals can contract the influenza infection through inhalation or the physical contact of bacteria and germs. In order to efficiently prevent an infection, an individual must eliminate contact with infected individuals and frequently wash hands and face.

4. During the infection of influenza, an individual will experience severe fevers, respiratory infections, and fatigue. Every individual that contracts influenza, will not experience the same symptoms, but each must attempt to remedy the situation. If influenza goes with out care, it can metastasize into pneumonia.

5. Unlike most infections, antibiotics do not work against eliminating influenza, because the infection is viral, as apposed to bacterial. Although that particular medicine does not work, doctors will readily prescribe the appropriate medicine for a cure.