Asian Bird Flu

Bird flu is defined as influenza caused in birds. It is also known as Avian Influenza. Bird flu is a kind of epidemic. Birds, chicken, turkeys, pigs, ducks and even humans are susceptible to this kind of influenza. A number of Asian countries have been the victims for bird flu.

Causes of bird flu

Avian bird flu is caused by a virus called the type A virus. there are 15 types of Influenza viruses out of which two of them affect birds and ducks. These viruses are known as "Highly pathogenic avian disease (HPAD)." Other such virus is the H5N1. influenza caused by both these viruses lead to death of the bird. This disease can also be passed to humans.

Effect of bird flu on Humans

Humans can also be affected by bird flu if they are in close contact with infected birds. The infected birds pass the virus through their mucous, saliva or faeces. On inhaling dried faeces, bird flu is spread to different birds or even to human. In the bird flu that occurred on the 28th of January 2005 around 55 people from Asia were infected by it. 42 out of them died.

Symptoms of Asian bird flu on humans

The symptoms are similar to those of other flu. It is characterized by mild fever. This is accompanied with cough and cold. This could then lead to a soar throat. In some cases it is the infected patient may have to face muscles and body ache. Some times bird flu may cause conjunctivitis too. Some cases of bird flu may cause difficulty in breathing and pneumonia. This can prove to be fatal.

Treatment and prevention

There are many antivirus vaccinations against bird flu. However, these vaccinations are only available for birds and not for humans. Thus, prevention is the only way to curtail its spread amongst people. One should be very careful while eating chicken or any kind of bird meat outside. It should be properly cooked. It advisable to buy packet chicken rather then to buy it from a whole sale dealer. These packed chickens are hygienic and vaccinated.