The prevention and treatment of the bird flu

Travelers should avoid visiting market areas that have live poultry and birds, and have been noted as having an avian influenza outbreak. People who work with birds that might be infected with the virus should use special breathing masks and protective clothing.  Avoid uncooked or undercooked meats to reduce the risk of exposure to the H5N1 virus.The good news is that heat destroys the avian viruses.  Therefore, cooked poultry is not a health threat according to the Mayo Clinic.  Nonetheless, caution is advised in preparing and handling poultry and eggs to avoid salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Keep in mind; eggshells are often tainted with bird droppings.  Avoid foods that include uncooked or raw eggs.You can also protect yourself from the bird flu by properly handling cooked poultry and eggs.  For instance, before and after handling poultry or eggs, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cook eggs until yokes and whites are firm.  Also, cook poultry to a temperature of at minimum 165 degrees F, (74 C).  Finally, to prevent cross contamination of raw poultry, clean utensils and cutting boards with warm water and soap.View the list »
The best way to prevent getting the bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure, according the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The majority of avian influenza infections to humans come from close, direct, or prolonged contact with infected, sick, or dead poultry.   Seasonal influenza vaccines will not prevent infection of the avian flu, but can reduce the risk of co-infection with the avian influenza A viruses and humans.

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The prevention and treatment of the bird flu is a global reality. The bird flu is also referred to as the Avian (bird) influenza (flu), Type A virus or H5N1.

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The virus naturally arises from aquatic birds worldwide, but it can affect domestic poultry and other animal species and birds. The Avian flu does not usually infect humans; however, the highly pathogenic virus can infect humans if they are exposed to sick or dead poultry that were infected with H5N1.

Since 2003, close to 600 human cases of H5N1, in 15 countries were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Countries that have the most on-going and widespread infections of the bird flu virus in poultry are India, China, Egypt, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Almost 60 percent of people infected with the virus died from the illness.

Most people are infected with the bird flu virus as a result of close or direct contact with poultry infected with H5N1. Fortunately, there is no proof that the virus spreads easily between humans.

The following pages show prevention and treatment for the bird flu. Click on View the list to get additional information for your safety.

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  • The best way to prevent getting the bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure, according the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The majority of avian influenza infections to humans come from close, direct, or prolonged contact with infected, sick, or dead poultry.   Seasonal influenza vaccines will not prevent infection of the avian flu, but can reduce the risk of co-infection with the avian influenza A viruses and humans.
  • You can also protect yourself from the bird flu by properly handling cooked poultry and eggs.  For instance, before and after handling poultry or eggs, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cook eggs until yokes and whites are firm.  Also, cook poultry to a temperature of at minimum 165 degrees F, (74 C).  Finally, to prevent cross contamination of raw poultry, clean utensils and cutting boards with warm water and soap.
  • The good news is that heat destroys the avian viruses.  Therefore, cooked poultry is not a health threat according to the Mayo Clinic.  Nonetheless, caution is advised in preparing and handling poultry and eggs to avoid salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Keep in mind; eggshells are often tainted with bird droppings.  Avoid foods that include uncooked or raw eggs.
  • Travelers should avoid visiting market areas that have live poultry and birds, and have been noted as having an avian influenza outbreak. People who work with birds that might be infected with the virus should use special breathing masks and protective clothing.  Avoid uncooked or undercooked meats to reduce the risk of exposure to the H5N1 virus.
  • There is a limited amount of treatment trials for the bird flu due to a small number of human cases.  However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using antiviral medication like oseltamvir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Though more studies are required to demonstrate the effectiveness of both of these antiviral drugs, the WHO suggest they would probably work in treating the bird flu.
  • Treatment for the bird flu may vary.  Nevertheless, another medication prescribed for treatment of the bird flu for people living in the same house of people diagnosed with the illness is oseltamvir. Individuals diagnosed with a severe case of the bird flu may need to be placed in isolation and on a breathing machine.
  • Though further studies pertaining to the avian flu are necessary, depending on the type of virus, various medications should be taken at 48 hours at the onset of symptoms.  Antiviral medications like amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) are suggested. People suspected of having the virus should be isolated to help in reducing the risk of spreading the disease.
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, Coudersport Healthy Living Examiner

George Zapo is certified in Public Health Promotion & Education (Kent State University). George focuses on providing sound advice on global, public and environmental health. Read more articles by George Zapo at "Healthy Habits" website: georgezapo.com

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