Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu)
viruses. These flu viruses occur among birds naturally. Wild
birds all over the world carry the viruses in their intestines,
but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is
extremely contagious among birds and can make some domesticated
birds, including ducks, turkeys, and chickens, very sick and
kill them.
Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases
of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since
1997.
The World health Organization (WHO) issued a prophetic warning
in December 2004. It claimed that if bird flu triggered the next
pandemic, the virus would likely originate in Asia. This seems
to becoming a harsh reality. As of September 2005, a total of 63
people have died in Southeast Asia. 11 countries have now fallen
victim, as more and more people are infected and hospitalised.
"No government, no head of state can be taken unawares," said
WHO director general Lee Jong-Wook. "It is very important for
all of us to be prepared..."
He advised countries should prepare for a pandemic by
stockpiling antiviral drugs and positioning them in high-risk
areas; intensifying efforts in vaccine development; and planning
for massive economic and social disruptions.
Remember governments and wealthy commercial companies are
rapidly buying supplies and stockpiling known antiviral drugs.
It is prudent to start protecting your family now by ordering
drugs such as Tamiflu®, as pharmaceutical companies are warning
that stocks are quickly being depleted.
Studies of Oseltamivir (sold commercially as Tamiflu®, and
manufactured by Roche Laboratories Inc.), show promise against
H5N1 Influenza Virus - bird flu virus. The drug dramatically
boosted the survival rate of infected mice.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded
this mice research in mid - 2005 and the results are published
online in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. British
researchers reported finding H5N1 flu virus in the spinal fluid
of a young boy who died of influenza in Vietnam earlier in the
year 2005, an indication that H5N1 is able to infect the human
brain.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like
symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye
infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as
acute respiratory distress), and other severe and
life-threatening complications. The symptoms of bird flu may
depend on which virus caused the infection.
Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions,
and faeces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have
contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are
contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of
bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with
infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
The H5N1 virus currently infecting birds in Asia that has caused
human illness and death is resistant to amantadine and
rimantadine, two antiviral medications commonly used for
influenza. Two other antiviral medications, Oseltamavir
(Tamiflu®) and Zanamavir, are proving successful in the battle
to treat flu caused by the H5N1 virus. Studies and research
continue.
"In 1999, The US Food and Drug Administration approved these two
new drugs that are effective for the treatment of both influenza
A and influenza B. These drugs, called neuraminidase inhibitors,
block the normal function of the viral neuraminidase." (Source:
NFID)
Tamiflu® (Roche Laboratories Inc.) and Relenza® (Glaxo Wellcome)
are both drugs classified as neuraminidase inhibitors and do
help protect you and your family.
The antiviral medication Tamiflu® was prescribed more often than
any other during last year's (2004) flu season. It is indicated
for the treatment of influenza in patients 1 year and older who
have had symptoms for no more than 2 days.
It attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading
inside your body. Tamiflu® treats flu at its source by attacking
the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking
symptoms.
This antiviral is also indicated for the prevention of influenza
in adults and adolescents 13 years and older.
Make contact with your doctor and ask if Tamiflu® is right for
you for the treatment or prevention of flu. These drugs can be
ordered online.
Tamiflu ® - The first known antiviral known to be effective
against the Avian Flu. A tablet that is taken by mouth twice a
day for 5 days. Should be used within 48 hours of onset of
symptoms.
Relenza ® - The second known antiviral known to be effective
against the Avian Flu. Inhaled as a powder twice a day for 5
days. A special device called a diskhaler is supplied with the
medication.
In conclusion, the best methods for protecting you and your
family, is to ensure that after taking advice from your health
care provider, you become vaccinated. Purchase antiviral drugs
and familiarise yourself with the new drug-free 3 minute Cold
and Flu procedure, discovered by doctors after an accident with
polio virus research.
Stay up to date with the excellent free information provided
online by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Center For Drug
Evaluation And Research); World Health Organisation (WHO) and
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).
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