The memories of the Swine Flu outbreak that caused a pandemic may still be fresh in our memories. The A(H1N1) flu virus has put the world in peril, not because it is a deadly and fatal condition, but because it can spread in the speed of light. As of the moment, the United Nations warned that a resurgence of another flu virus may happen but this time, it’s not swine flu. It is the possibility of another wave of Bird Flu (H5N1) may happen.

Currently, sparse outbreaks of a strain of H5N1 have been observed in China and Vietnam and surveillance is exerted in identifying further outbreaks of the disease. The cause of this possible outbreak is the migration of birds back to Asia. If we can still remember, it was last August 14 that a Cambodian girl died due to bird flu, making her the 8^th person to die from the said disease in Cambodia within 2011.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization emphasized that while birds are the main carriers of this strain of virus, it is the poultry production and marketing inactions that spread the disease to most people. Thus, it is suggested that preparedness and surveillance be prioritized by Asian countries which have been virus-free for several years.

In the light of this impending epidemic, it is important to be familiarized with what bird flu is, the signs and symptoms associated with the disease and the preventions that may be employed:

The following people are at risk for developing avian influenza or bird flu:

-          Farmers and poultry workers;

-          Those who have come in contact with infected birds;

-          Those who eat raw meat, eggs or blood from infected birds; and

-          Those who travel and visit affected countries.

The signs and symptoms associated with avian influenza are the following:

-          Cough

-          Fever (greater than 38 degrees)

-          Headache

-          Body Malaise

-          Muscle aches

-          Sore Throat

-          Runny Nose

The most definitive test to rule out bird flu is through nasopharyngeal cultures or swabs but these may take several days.

Treatment of avian flu or bird flu is usually carried out with medications like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), Relenza (Zanamivir) and other antiviral medications. These medications can lessen the severity of the disease if taken within 48 hours upon development of signs and symptoms. Isolation precaution must also be employed to make sure the virus does not spread within members of the household or to health care providers.

Bird flu is highly treatable and curable; and the prognosis is positive especially when treated earlier. Complications of this condition may include acute respiratory distress, pneumonia, sepsis and to some extent, may cause death.

Travelling to countries where bird flu is present is highly discouraged to prevent acquiring the disease, and further prevent carrying the disease back to one’s home country. Isolation may also be done to those people who have arrived from affected countries to make sure if they develop early signs and symptoms.

http://news.yahoo.com/un-warns-bird-flu-resurgence-asian-strain-083536601.html

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