Avian Flu

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How is it spread?

 

            It is spread through direct contact with the bird or its excrement. It can also be caught by contact with an intermediate host, such as a pig, or even through avian virus environments.

 

How is it prevented?

 

Since this virus is sensitive to heat, if the bird or its product is heated at around 70 degrees C, it will be eliminated.

 

View birds and wildlife fro ma distance.

 

Interesting information

 

 The H5N1 virus is a potential pandemic which could mutate with human virus traits in order to spread from human to human as well as through animals.

H5N1 and its subtypes aren't very contagious, but there have been cases where humans have spread this virus to other humans.

 

Cure/ Work being done

 

A vaccine for Avian flu is being developed, as well as its subtype, H9N2.

 

Symptoms

           

            Ranges from mild influenza symptoms (such as fever, cough, and sore throat) to conjunctivitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory illnesses, viral pneumonia, and other severe life-threatening diseases.