Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses.

Avian flu affects several types of birds, including farmed poultry, i.e. chickens, geese, turkeys and ducks. But when bird flu does strike humans, it's often deadly. There are many different subtypes of type flu A viruses. These subtypes differ because of certain proteins in the flu A virus. The current outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry in Asia is an example of a bird flu outbreak that has caused human infections and deaths. Outbreaks of influenza H5N1 occurred among poultry in eight countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam) during late 2003 and early 2004.

Two Types of AI Viruses

A. Highly pathogenic viruses result in high death rates Highly pathogenic Influenza A (H5N1) virus also called "HPAI H5N1 virus" is an influenza A virus that occurs mainly in birds, is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly to them, especially domestic poultry. HPAI H5N1 virus does not usually infect people, but infections with these viruses have occurred in humans. B. Low pathogenic viruses also cause outbreaks in poultry but are not generally associated with severe clinical disease.

About 60% of people infected with the virus died from their illness. On January 22, 2012, China reported its second human death due to bird flu in a month following other fatalities in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Influenza A virus, the causative agent for bird flu; the genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses to which all viruses responsible for avian influenza belongs to, but also includes viruses that are endemic to humans and other animals.
Viruses that normally infect only birds and less commonly pigs.

 Bird flu can be transmitted from livestock to wild birds and also to pet birds, and vice-versa. The virus spreads through infected birds, via their saliva, nasal secretions, feces, and feed People mainly become infected with avian influenza through close contact with infected birds and poultry (live or dead) or their droppings. Humanto-human transmission is inefficient. Outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry have recently been reported in some Asian countries, and some cases of human infection have been reported.

Bird flu's incubation period of two to eight days is longer than for normal, human seasonal flu (two to three days). In some cases, the incubation period may take as long as 17 days.

 Risk of humans contracting avian influenza (H5N1) exists in countries with outbreaks of the viral infection in poultry. Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa have all had outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry since 1997. In 2012, there have been confirmed human cases reported in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam. From 2003 to 2011, there have been more than 500 confirmed human cases in 15 countries: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. Since 2003, just over 300 people have died worldwide from avian influenza (H5N1).

 A cough, usually dry A high fever, over 38C Aching bones, joints and muscles Bleeding from the nose Blocked nose Chest pain Cold sweats and chills Fatigue Headache Loss of appetite Runny nose

Sleeping difficulties Stomach Upset, sometimes diarrhea Bleeding from the gums Some patients develop the symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection, which includes breathing difficulties. This occurs around day five of the first symptoms Hoarse voice Sputum is sometimes bloody

 According to WHO, antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can suppress viral replication and improve outcomes for patients, especially survival prospects. Oseltamivir should be administered within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms for best effect. However, as avian influenza mortality rates are high, doctors should consider prescribing oseltamivir for patients who were diagnosed later. For those with severe symptoms, doctors may have to increase the recommended daily dose, as well as treatment duration. Physicians should bear in mind that drug absorption may be severely impaired in patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. "Oseltamivir (Tami flu) and zanamivir (Relenza) could be effective in treating influenza caused by the H5N1 bird flu virus. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate their effectiveness."

Use proper hand hygiene practices. Clean your hands often and thoroughly, preferably using soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially if you are handling poultry or poultry products. If possible, avoid contact with poultry and other birds suspected or known to be infected. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked poultry or poultry products. If eradication (depopulating) of poultry is necessary, use the following personal protective equipment (PPE): Disposable gloves or gloves that can be disinfected; Protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved coveralls with waterproof aprons that can be disinfected or disposed of); Travel advice: Avoid touching birds or poultry when travelling.

(1-2 years before), there is no vaccine to prevent avian influenza in humans.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had announced the first approval in the United States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu. The vaccine was obtained from a human strain and is intended for immunizing people 18 through 64 years of age who could be at increased risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus contained in the vaccine. H5N1 influenza vaccine immunization consists of two intramuscular injections, given approximately one month apart. The manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., will not sell the vaccine commercially. Instead, the vaccine has been purchased by the federal government for inclusion within the National Stockpile for distribution by public health officials if needed. The vaccine will be manufactured at Sanofi Pasteur's Swiftwater, Pa., Facility.

"The threat of an influenza pandemic is, at present, one of the most significant public health issues our nation and world faces," said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "The approval of this vaccine is an important step forward in our protection against a pandemic. Additional information on this H5N1 influenza vaccine is being collected on safety and effectiveness in other age groups and will be available to FDA in the near future.