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Bird Flu
Frequently asked questions:
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Information about Bird Flu
What is Bird flu?
Influenza (the flu) is a very infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave you ill for up to 10 days. There are many types of influenza virus, some of which infect birds. These are Avian or Bird Flu viruses.
Very rarely, an Avian influenza virus can also infect people. The current Avian influenza virus – H5N1 – has infected some people who have caught it from having close contact with infected birds.
Avian influenza causes severe flu-like symptoms in people and may result in death. It has not been shown for sure that anyone has caught Avian influenza from another person.
There are currently no commercially available vaccines that will protect people against the H5N1 Avian Flu.
A number of countries in Asia andsouth-eastern Europe are experiencing outbreaks of Avian flu (bird flu), affecting mainly poultry (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys).
The virus responsible for the current outbreak is H5N1 - a type of influenza not normally associated with human disease.
What is an influenza pandemic?
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreading around the world and infecting many people in a very short time.
An influenza virus capable of causing a pandemic is one that people have no natural immunity to and can easily spread from person to person. It may cause severe disease. An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It could happen at any time of the year, not just winter.
What can you do to prevent getting the flu?
Every year, ask your doctor to vaccinate you against the flu. Because the influenza virus changes frequently, you need to get vaccinated every year to stay immune.
Some people can get this free. Vaccination is free for people age 65 years and over, and adults and children with certain long-term (chronic) conditions. Your GP will know if you are eligible for a free vaccination.
The flu is very easily spread through coughs and sneezes. If you have the flu, avoid public places and close contact with other people. Always cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue. Put the tissue in a rubbish bin and wash your hands well afterwards.
What are the symptoms of Bird Flu?
The exact symptoms, incubation period and duration of Bird flu in people are not known, because there have not been enough cases.
Generally the symptoms are similar to those for people infected with human influenza virus, although the severity of the illness may differ. Symptoms generally appear three to seven days after exposure and can last up to seven days.
Symptoms of the flu include: a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or a runny nose. It may take up to three days to feel symptoms after you catch the flu (the incubation period).
Anyone can get the flu – being fit, active and healthy does not protect you from getting this virus.
Anyone can die from the flu.
Is Bird Flu transmissible to humans?
Yes, very rarely, a Bird Flu virus can also infect people. The current Bird Flu virus – H5N1 – has infected some people who have caught it from having close contact with infected birds.
Since December 2003, widespread outbreaks of H5N1 in birds in Asian countries have been associated with human cases and deaths in Asia.
Why are healthauthorities concerned about Bird Flu?
The World Health Organization is worried that a Bird Flu virus and a human flu virus might mix. This could result in a new strain of influenza virus that can be easily passed from person to person. The new flu virus could spread rapidly around the world, infecting many people. This would be an influenza pandemic.
An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It would not necessarily be a winter illness.
How likely is an influenza pandemic?
It is certain an influenza pandemic will happen one day. The H5N1 Bird Flu virus that is found in some countries could become a pandemic influenza virus at any time.
How often do Flu pandemics occur?
There were three flu pandemics last century, in 1918, 1956-57 and 1968.
What caused the last flu Pandemics?
All three pandemics last century were caused by different types of Bird Flu viruses.
What is being done to prepare for a Bird Flu pandemic?
Many countries have been planning for this for some time. Many National Health Organisations have a national pandemic plan, and Local Health Authorities have local plans.
Following the advice of the World Health Organization, an increasing number of countries are now beginning to stockpile anti-viral medicines to help reduce the impact of any future pandemic.
Is there a vaccine for Bird Flu?
Not yet! There are no commercial supplies of vaccine against the Bird Flu virus H5N1 although many countries are trying to develop one. Many health organisations are working to make sure access is gained as quickly as possible to a vaccine once it is developed and available.
From the onset of an flu pandemic it may take up to six months for a vaccine to be developed and made in sufficient quantities.
What could happen in an Bird Flu pandemic?
A Bird Flu pandemic could mean so many people are sick that it will affect workplaces, schools, hospitals and many other services. Airports could be closed and international travel restricted. The import of various meat and other products may be stopped. There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels that there is an influenza pandemic.
Some workplaces and schools may close. Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks. You may be asked to care for yourself and others at home.
How can you prepare for a Bird Flu pandemic?
- Talk to your family and friends about health hygiene – hand washing, and safe coughing and sneezing.
- Make sure you have an emergency home survival kit ready with a range of the essential supplies necessary to support a restricted lifestyle including sufficient water to meet your needs.
- Prepare a medical kit and ensure you include a supply of paracetamol (for fever) in your home emergency kit. You should also include a supply of face masks to minimise the risk of virus transference. If possible attempt to purchase sufficient quantities of either Tamiflu or Relenza privately but only use specifically in accordance with manufacturers instructions and/or such instructions you have received from your own Doctor.
- Prepare a plan for what you and your family would do if you had to stay at home during a pandemic.
How do you care for yourself and your family during a Bird Flu pandemic?
- Stay home if you are sick and keep away from other people – avoid visitors and visiting other people.
- Wash and dry your hands after you cough, sneeze, wipe or blow your nose (or your child’s nose), use the bathroom or toilet. Wash and dry your hands before you prepare food and eat, and when you are looking after sick people.
- Keep coughs and sneezes covered. Tissues are best. Put the tissue in a rubbish bin.
- Give people who have a fever and/or diarrhoea plenty to drink.
- Give paracetamol for fever. Do not give aspirin to children under 12.
- Try to keep well people and sick people apart.
- Sharing bedding, clothing and utensils may spread infection, but you do not need to wash a sick person's bedding, clothing and utensils separately from the rest of the family's.
Anti-viral medication
Tamiflu - What is it?
Tamiflu or Oseltamivir is used to treat some types of influenza (flu) in patients who have had symptoms of the flu for two days or less. Oseltamivir is in a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. These drugs work by stopping the growth and spread of the Bird Flu virus in your body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever and chills.
How effective is the anti-viral medicine Tamiflu against the Bird Flu?
Tamiflu is one of two medicines that are effective against the strains of Bird Flu circulating in birds in Asia. The other is Relenza. Both Tamiflu and Relenza appear to be effective in inhibiting growth and spread of the Bird Flu virus in the human body however they are not to confused with a vaccine that prevent becoming infected with the virus. A Bird Flu vaccine has not yet been developed
.
Will Tamiflu cure people sick with the bird flu virus, H5N1?
It is not known for certain.
When people have seasonal influenza, rather than killing the virus, Tamiflu reduces symptoms and may shorten the duration of illness by a day and a half.
If otherwise healthy people who are ill with influenza take it, they are less likely to develop complications of influenza. Those complications are usually treated with antibiotics.
Does Tamiflu prevent people from getting flu?
Yes it can, but it is not the best means of preventing flu. Vaccination is the best protection against flu, which is why people are encouraged to immunise against seasonal influenza every year.
How does Tamiflu work?
It is a medicine that only works against flu viruses A and B.
It does not work against other viruses or bacteria that can cause illness similar to flu or that can cause respiratory infection. If taken within 48 hours of becoming ill it stops the virus from bursting out of infected cells, infecting new cells and possibly other people.
Can Tamiflu be given to children?
Yes, it can be used to treat influenza in children of ages i year and older.
Who will get the Tamiflu the Government is stockpiling?
Clearly, in a Bird Flu pandemic, there will be a need to use Tamiflu in the most effective way. Details of how it will be prioritised and used can only be confirmed once the exact nature of the pandemic is known.
At this stage, it is likely that Tamiflu will mainly be used for treating people who are sick.
It may also be used to "ringfence" an outbreak in its very early stages. However it is very important to reiterate that the policy is not yet finalised.
Hopefully Tamiflu will be only part of a Government's overall response to a Bird Flu pandemic.
Will masks help protect me and my family from the influenza virus?
A surgical mask, if put on someone who is sick, will help reduce the spread of infection, because it will hold the virus in the coughs and sneezes close to that person.
People who are not sick and who are very close to the person who is coughing and sneezing - closer than 1 metre - may get some protection by covering their own nose and mouth with a mask. Again, this is because the mask will catch the virus in the cough and sneeze droplets.
Bird Flu News & Links
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Up to the minute Bird Flu News
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For more information and the latest news on the spread of Bird Flu around the world, see the World Health Organization website
For a list of all affected countries see theWorld Organisation for Animal Health website.
For a variety of other up-to-date information on the topic of Avian Fly visit the website of the Centres for Disese Control and Prevention
Bird Flu Medications & Products:
Tamiflu is offered for purchase by:
Health Solutions Network
Drug Delivery.ca
Pharma-Supplies.com
Medical Management
Relenza is offered for purchase by:
Drug Delivery.ca
Amantadine an alternative Avian Flu medication is offered for purchase by:
Drug Delivery.ca
Vira 38 a possible Avian Flu medication is offered for purchase by:
PRB Pharmaceuticals
Facemasks can be purchased from:
Local stores in your area
Home Emergency Kit Products can be purchased from:
Local stores in your area
DISCLAIMER - Please note that none of the above companies, businesses or websites are in anyway involved, associated or affiliated with either the owners of this website or any of our sponsors and we are therefore not responsible for the contents of any website referenced from this website or server. Reference on this website to any specific commercial products, processes, service, manufacturer or company does not constitute its endorsement or reccomendation.
Other Bird Flu & Medication Links:
Further Information about Tamiflu
Further Information about Relenza
Further Information about Amantadine
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