The Bird Flu: Facts, Precautions, and Prevention Strategies

The bird or avian flu has continued to grab media attention with several dozen fatalities throughout the world. The recent cases in Indonesia have resulted in a 100% death rate. The incident in Turkey has hit too close to home and heightened the alert level here in Washington.

The fear associated with a bird flu outbreak stems from the fact that viruses have an ability to mutate quickly and may take a form that is transmitted easily. The avian flu is caused by the type A strain of the influenza virus. It is primarily transmitted either directly from infected birds or through another infected animal that may be carrying the disease. Wild birds such as ducks are most resistant to the disease than domestic birds such as chickens or turkeys.

In rural areas, bird droppings can quickly cause the spread of the disease. The virus can stay active for up to 4 days at 71 ^oF and can survive for more than 30 days at 32 ^oF. The symptoms associated with the bird flu can me mild to lethal and may include pneumonia, fever, and muscle aches.

Fortunately, there is treatment for this unpredictable flu. Treatment consists of antivirals including amantadine, rimantadine, Tamiflu? and Relenza?. These medications bind with the virus and prevent it from replicating. To be most effective, these drugs have to be taken as soon as possible after initial exposure. Vaccines targeting the Asian strain of the bird flu are currently under development. However, it is difficult to target vaccines to combat the illness because of the rapid mutation associated with viruses.

There are some common sense ways to decrease the chances of getting the illness: 

> Schedule to get a flu shot from your physician or from local pharmacies hosting flu vaccine clinics. 
> Take immune boosting products containing vitamins and herbals such as Airborne? if traveling to outbreak zones. Store brands of this product are also available. 
> Wash/blow the nasal passages after travel or leaving confined areas. 
> Follow universal precautions such as hand washing and using gloves.