Bird Flu - Quick Tips

• Bird flu is also known as avian influenza or avian flu.
  

• Avian influenza is a contagious disease affecting birds which is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus.
  

• There are three types of influenza viruses - A, B, and C.
  

• Influenza A and B viruses are of concern for human health because of the risks of pandemics and seasonal epidemics.
  

• Influenza C only causes mild problems in humans.
  

• Only influenza A viruses can cause pandemics.
  

• Avian influenza affects many bird species, whether wild or domestic poultry and occurs any part of the world.
  

• It is believed that all birds are susceptible to infection with avian influenza viruses, yet many wild bird species carry these viruses with no visible signs of danger.
  

• The H5N1 virus strain is one of 16 varieties of bird flu.
  

• The H5N1 virus is trasmitted through a bird's saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.
  

• H5N1 - The H subtypes govern the ability of the virus to bind to and enter cells, where multiplication of the virus then occurs.
  The N subtypes govern the release of newly formed virus from the cells.
  

Quick tips continue here >> Bird Flu and find out How To Beat Bird Flu to protect yourselves.

Bird Flu - Past Pandemics

Influenza Pandemics
The 20th century saw the emergence of several new influenza A virus subtypes that caused three pandemics, all of which spread around the world within a year of being detected.

Here's a quick review of the three pandemics :

1. In 1918-19 the "Spanish flu" [A (H1N1)] caused the highest number of known influenza deaths. However, the actual influenza virus subtype was not detected in the 1918-19 pandemic. More than 500,000 people died in the United States alone, and up to an estimated of 50 million people may have lost their lives worldwide. Many died within the first few days after infection, while others died of secondary complications. Nearly half of those who perished were young, healthy adults. Influenza A (H1N1) viruses still circulate today after being introduced again into the human population in 1977.

2. In 1957-58 the "Asian flu" [A (H2N2)] caused about 70,000 deaths in the United States. The virus was first identified in China in late February 1957 and by June 1957, the Asian flu had spread to the United States.

3. In 1968-69 the "Hong Kong flu," [A (H3N2)] caused about 34,000 deaths in the United States. The virus was first detected in Hong Kong in early 1968 and arrived in the United States later that same year. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses still circulate today.

Both the 1957-58 and 1968-69 pandemics were caused by viruses containing a combination of genes from a human influenza virus and an avian (derived from birds) influenza virus. The 1918-19 pandemic virus appears to have an avian origin.


What Do These Past Pandemics Tell Us?
Answer : It'll happen again, could be tomorrow, later this year, next year or even 5 years later. No matter what, we cannot take chances. Ordinary folks like us will need to know how to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Here's a great ebook to start with : How To Beat Bird Flu