Avian bird flu, often referred to as Avian influenza, is an infectious disease found usually in birds which is caused by A strains of the influenza virus. This influenza virus occurs naturally in the intestines of wild birds and usually does not cause them sickness.
Avian influenza, or influenza A, is chiefly found in animals, but a virus infection of this type could occur in humans. Although cases of human infection have been on the rise since 1997, risk from this virus to humans is considered mild. In most cases, humans have caught this disease by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces like water bowls and cages, and with infected birds.
Cases of transmission of this virus from an infected human to another human have not been recorded officially. Some human influenza viruses are known to be subtypes of the avian bird flu influenza. Influenza A is continuously changing and it is possible that subtypes may adapt over time to infect and spread among humans.
Migratory waterfowl, most notably wild ducks, are the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses, which is very contagious among them. When passed on to domestic birds like chicken, ducks and turkeys, the virus can make them very sick and even result in their death.
Infected birds transmit the influenza virus through their saliva, nasal secretion and feces. Domestic birds can contract the sickness when they come in contact with food containers, cage bars, water bowls, floors or with material such as feed and water that has become contaminated with this virus.
There is an extensive number of influenza viruses potentially circulating in bird populations, due to the fact that there are over a dozen subtypes of the influenza virus that infect birds. To date, all outbreaks of avian influenza have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7.
The sickness caused by this virus often take two stages. The first is a mild stage which often goes undetected. Symptoms for this stage are ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production. The second stage is where the internal organs of infected birds stop functioning and ultimately results in the death of the bird within 48 hours.
Humans who become infected with influenza A show symptoms similar to human influenza virus, and they may suffer from fever, muscle aches, sore throat, cough and eye infections.
In severe cases, they may have pneumonia and other life-threatening diseases. Death is a possible outcome of the infection.
What can we do to try to prevent a world-wide pandemic? While the efficacy of vaccines is no sure protection, many are trying to get their hands on these, since is a chance that vaccines might help. The Australian government, not unlike many other governments, have stockpiled vaccines such as Tamiflu to prepare themselves for a possible outbreak of avian influenza, even though the exact virus that causes influenza A in humans has not yet been identified.
Another point to remember is that these viruses often become resistant to vaccines so by the time they are used, the particular influenza strain might not react to the present vaccines.
So I would say that your best bet would be to get a huge immune system boost. Glyconutrients will give you a maximum potential on your immune system, as well as many other health benefits.
Avian Bird Flu Pandemic
So What Would The Result Be If A Bird Flu Pandemic Did Happen To Occur?
Well firstly the worst impact would be a catastrophic loss of life. If the disease was not controlled immediately, the death count could grow into the thousands. Another possibility is that the spread could become uncontrollable, meaning that it will have become too widespread to be stopped. Although this is an unlikely event, it is still a possibility and people should make measures to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. In fact it has occurred to an extent in the past. In 1918 pandemic struck that caused the death of over 50 million people worldwide. It is important to note however that in that day and age, medicine was nowhere near as sophisticated as it is today.
Another impact, although less important, is the need to destroy poultry. Previous bird flu pandemics have seen the destruction of millions of poultry and the bankrupsy of a great number of poultry distributors. The first order that a government gives is to destroy most if not all poultry in the country so that they can quickly start to control the pandemic. This can have a severe impact on a nations economy.
How Should We Prepare For A Bird Flu Pandemic?
The best way to prepare for a pandemic is to do some research and learn about its affects(which is what you are doing now!) Secondly you need to write down a plan and response strategy so that when the time comes, you have a system that will prepare you for such an event. This will include things such as going down and picking up the kids from school and bringing them home. Also you will want to take note of what poultry products you have eaten in the last week. It is unlikely that bird flu will affect every chicken distributor in the country, but it's better to be on the safe side.
Probably the most important rule that everyone should take note of is to not panic when a bird flu pandemic strikes. Panic only causes confusion, which then leads to chaos, which then leads to a catastrophe. If you have a plan with a series of steps that must be followed in the event of a pandemic then you have nothing to worry about.
Both Spencer Hunt & Dane Stanton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Spencer Hunt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Other Conditions, Green Tea and Alternative Medicine. Spencer Hunt is a health consultant who shares glyconutrients products to those in need of an immune system boost.. Spencer Hunt's top article generates over 27100 views. Bookmark Spencer Hunt to your Favourites.
Dane Stanton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Goji, Pet Guinea Pigs and Bird Parrot. Dane Stanton is the owner of BirdFluReview.com which is an extensive review of the top Bird Flu courses on the internet. Find which course is best for you and your family. . Dane Stanton's top article generates over 165000 views. Bookmark Dane Stanton to your Favourites.
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