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Bird Flu FAQ:
Quick Facts about Avian Bird Flu and the H5N1 virus. (Part 2)
QUICK FACTS ABOUT AVIAN BIRD FLU
What is bird flu?
Does it spread to humans?
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
How quickly could bird flu spread?
What is the history of flu
pandemics?
What kills influenza virus?
What is the incubation period
for H5N1 avian influenza?
WHAT IS BIRD FLU? |
Top
Bird flu (Avian influenza) is a viral infection which attacks birds around
the globe. There are 15 strains but the current one – H5N1 – is very infectious. The first known cases of
H5N1 bird flu were detected in Hong
Kong in 1997 and also involved H5N1.
DOES IT SPREAD TO HUMANS? |
Top
Yes but not easily. Almost all the human cases of bird flu have been people who
were directly exposed to infected fowl. They made contact with the virus through
the birds' saliva, nasal secretions and faeces, which become dry, pulverized and
are then inhaled. However, H5N1 has proven particularly lethal which is one of
the main concerns.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF
BIRD FLU IN BIRDS? |
Top
Bird flu in birds causes the number of eggs to decrease and feathers become
abnormal. Also, the number of deaths of domestic birds, once a farm is infected,
is great which is a very important indicator.
HOW QUICKLY COULD IT SPREAD? |
Top
Experts warn that a pandemic – the rapid spread of the flu virus around the
world – is going to happen. It would be everywhere in three weeks, perhaps less
- there are many variables. We have seen already how quickly this can spread
around Europe for example. Again, the concern is that the next pandemic will be
the Avian Influenza type.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF FLU PANDEMICS?
|
Top
There have been 10 pandemics in the last 300 years. The 20th century saw three
flu pandemics, in 1918-19, 1957-58 and 1968-69. The 1918-19 (Spanish) pandemic
killed as many as 40-50 million people -- more than the death toll from AIDS in
more than two decades. Jet travel, the world's huge population today and the
larger number of people with compromised immune systems (from AIDS and cancer,
for instance) as compared with 1918 mean the toll from so-called Spanish flu
could be easily surpassed.
WHAT KILLS INFLUENZA VIRUS? |
Top
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In
addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide,
detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are
effective against influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for
sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can
be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed until they are dry.
WHAT IS THE INCUBATION
PERIOD FOR H5N1? |
Top
The H5N1 avian influenza virus can survive for more than a month in bird
droppings in cold weather (4 degrees C or 39 degrees F) and for nearly a week even in hot summer temperatures.
Current data for H5N1 infection indicate an incubation period ranging from 2 to 8 days and possibly as long as 17 days.
Poll Results: Our
Quick Poll for March 2007 asked, "Bird Flu is spreading, are you
worried?"
Yes : 86.4%
No : 13.6%
Some 1400 votes from various countries.
Next: » How is human influenza A (H5N1) and Pneumonia treated?
All Articles in this series:
» 1) Bird Flu and me - facts, risks, can I get it and can I stop it?
» 2) Basics on Bird Flu - What it is, history, what is a pandemic?
» 3) How is human influenza A (H5N1) and Pneumonia treated?
» 4) Pets and Animals - Can my dog or cat get H5N1, symptoms?
» 5) Summary - what are the plans, costs and what can I do?
» 6) Preventing viral infection spread - important tips.
» 7) Definitions for H5N1, avian or bird influenza.
Video Presentation:
(Requires free Google video software) (14 min)
»
Video on Avian Influenza (Nepal). Commissioned by the United Nations Avian
Influenza Task Force, in conjunction with UNICEF, OCHA, WHO, UNDP, FAO, Dept. of
Animal Health and Dept. of Health and Population. Funded by UNICEF. (Opens in a
new window on the Google Video site.)