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Avian Influenza – a serious flu
The Avian Influenza which is commonly know as “Bird Flu” is an infectious disease found in birds which is takes place due to the effects of type A influenza virus. This is a serious concern as it affects the digestive, respiratory and nervous system of many bird species. Avian influenza is the most common and highly contagious form of the flu which can affect most of the domestic and wild species of birds.
The influenza might vary in its effects from time to time. Sometimes the flu might spread at a fast rate but might not cause much serious disease or damage in terms of death toll. On the other hand, influenza spread over a short area may cause serious damage. The virus like Avian influenza can spread very easily. The infected birds pass on the infection by way of waste matter excreted and the discharge through their eyes and nose. The birds in a flock get contaminated quite easily. The virus can easily be spread by people also as through the contaminated equipments, vehicles, shoes etc. Otherwise also the influenza spreads faster by way of contaminated water and through insects and rodents.
As such there is no effective treatment of Avian influenza. However the efforts can be made to minimize the spread and eventual loss by way of disinfecting the places where the influenza is present. There should be good living conditions for the birds in the poultry and they should be raised in hygienic conditions. Prevention is the best thing that can be done to minimize the possible loss. The birds should be appropriately vaccinated and clean and healthy living conditions should be maintained.
Another serious concern of Avian Influenza is that it can pass on to human beings and can cause serious danger for life. Once this flu gets on to the human beings it can be a very serious situation and it can spread more easily and at a faster rate. Keeping in mind its possible threats to human life certain steps have been taken to develop drugs to contain this infection in human beings.
Tamiflu is a drug developed for the treatment of serious illness caused by the influenza infections. The chemical name of Tamiflu is Oseltamivir Phosphate It is commonly used for the treatment of adults, adolescents and small children of the age of one year or more who have been suffering from flu and the symptoms have been visible in last one or two days. Tamiflu is of great help in reducing the severity of the symptoms and the duration of the illness. For best results Tamiflu should be taken within two days of detection of the symptoms. Amantadine is a similar drug which is taken to counter the effect of influenza.
According to the NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence) these kinds of drugs should be avoided and instead recommends vaccination against such influenzas.
About the Author: Norma Dsouza is a Health and Fitness consultant. For more details on Flu, bird flu, Tamiflu, Amantadine and other anti flu drugs, please visit: http://www.checkflu.com
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