|
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
By Norma Dsouza
H5N1 is the virulent strain that causes avian influenza or bird flu. This strain is commonly present in the gut of the wild migratory birds but due to their natural resistance it does not have any effect on them. When wild and domestic stocks mix and the strain passes over to domestic poultry, it turns fatal. This has been clearly indicated by recent large scale outbreaks in China and other South East Asian countries.
Strong measures including quarantine and culling by health authorities did not stop the spread of the infection, which soon emerged in far away places like Africa and Europe. India was badly hit by the outbreak and Central and State Government departments took emergency steps to contain its spread and provide relief to those poultry farmers who lost their entire stock in the process.
As all were concentrating on measures to contain the virus, news came of the H5N1 virus infecting some humans who were in the close proximity of the infected birds and were constantly exposed to their body secretions. It took a while for medical scientists to analyse the infection but once it was confirmed, another battle front needed immediate attention.
WHO (World Health Organisation) lead the global fight against H5N1 virus and world wide pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing anti flu drugs. Some of the most noted and effective drugs against bird flu are Amantadine, Relenza, Rimantadine, Tamiflu and Oseltamivir. These drugs when administered shortly after infection set in were successful to varying degrees in fighting the virus and its flu type symptoms.
In some severe cases of bird flu, respiratory track complications lead to fatalities. Health authorities were concerned about human to human infection. This was reported from some areas but it was also observed that the infection did not persist beyond the second host. If this had not been the case we would have been living through a worst nightmare of modern times.
It is natural to panic when such a virus strain spreads defying geographical limits. Some people began to hoard anti flu drugs fearing a major outbreak. Luckily it did not come about. Today the virus seems to have gone dormant once again. But this is the most critical period that we should utilise to strengthen our defenses and put into place contingency measures which will automatically kick-in in the case of the next major outbreak.
Poultry management techniques have since been reviewed and altered to include stringent health check-ups of domestic birds. A proactive approach is necessary to prevent another incident. Hopefully we will learn from past experience and provide for a safe future.
"Join our fight against counterfeit drugs." About the Author Norma Dsouza is a Health and Fitness Consultant. For more details please visit: www.checkflu.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/42911.html
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/42911.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
Some other articles by Norma Dsouza | Please give up Smoking Do you realise why cigarette packets carry a statutory warning that 'Smoking can cause cancer'. And still millions worldwide continue to ignore this warning sign and see their life diminish gradually in smoke.
Disturbing news ...
CHANTIX Helps Quit Smoking Every kick of cigarette and of nicotine gives you a rousing enjoyment but remember it makes you a slave. This is the main reason behind anybody's addiction to ...
CHANTIX - A Chant For Smoking Cessation Those, formerly or currently addicted to Nicotine have surely gone over the done deal of terms some of these terms floating around: Nicotine patches, withdrawal, nicotine gum, ...
Quit Smoking and Weight Gain To stop smoking is challenge enough but some smokers' apprehension the possibility of gaining weight. About 80% of smokers put on weight when they quit. Women ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|