What is the avian flu all about?

The avian flu, or commonly referred to as the bird flu, is a type of influenza virus that affects birds and rarely humans. Avian flu facts have recently revealed that when this type of flu hits humans it can be deadly. With no known bird flu cases in United States as of yet, the information available on the bird flu is somewhat scarce. However, knowledge is growing due to the outbreaks in many Southeastern Asian countries.

In Asia and in particularly Indonesia, the bird flu has revealed itself and hit many pockets of the area’s population. Unfortunately, avian flu facts show that more than half the people who become infected with the bird flu die within a short time of contracting the infection.

The bird flu symptoms are similar in nature to that of a stomach virus or influenza that hits regions during the winter months, but does entail some symptoms that are life threatening. Common bird flu symptoms include a cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and chills. More severe and serious symptoms include acute respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

Bird flu cases in United States have not been reported so the worry in the USA is at a minimum. The government has, however, developed a bird flu vaccine in the rare event of an outbreak or pandemic according to avian flu facts. The country is prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives. Personal precautions are necessary to take when traveling overseas. It is recommended that small bird farms and open-air markets be avoided to prevent the infection and spread of this deadly virus.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.