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These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.
However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997.
The H5N1 virus does not usually infect humans. In 1997, however, the first case of spread from a bird to a human was seen during an outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Hong Kong. The virus caused severe respiratory illness in 18 people, 6 of whom died.
Since that time, there have been other cases of H5N1 infection among humans. Most recently, human cases of H5N1 infection have occurred in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia during large H5N1 outbreaks in poultry.
The death rate for these reported cases has been about 50 percent. Most of these cases occurred from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces; however, it is thought that a few cases of human-to-human spread of H5N1 have occurred
So far, spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been rare and spread has not continued beyond one person.
However, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could one day be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.
Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population.
If the H5N1 virus were able to infect people and spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic? (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin. No one can predict when a pandemic might occur.
However, experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation in Asia very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily and widely from person to person.
How Vulnerable Are You?
As the deadly Avian flu continues to spread throughout the world in migratory birds, the lifestyle you lead could put you at risk. In the event of a pandemic, will you be prepared?
Business Travelers ? Aero planes can be quite bad because they re-circulate air and that's ideal for spreading a flu virus throughout the whole cabin, says biostatistician Dr Iea Longini.
Students and Teachers ? Time spent where lots of people are crowded together, as in hostels and classrooms, raises the risk, says Dr John Treanor, a flu vaccine researcher.
Dads ? Children are the major transmitters, says Longini. In fact, parents, like teachers, will be in even more danger of contracting the flu this time, because, along with the rest of us, they'll lack any immunity to the H5N1 virus.
Commuters ? Those who use public transport will be at increased risk of contracting H5N1. Anytime people start coughing or sneezing close by, risk of transmission rises, says Lamb.
Religious People ? Handshakes, kids and close indoor seating make churches, synagogues and mosques likely places to pick up the flu. Congregating in one room is undoubtedly the way to spread infection, says professor of molecular biology Dr Robert Lamb.
Athletes and Sports Fans ? Virus transmission would be fast at an indoor sports game, Treanor says, or at a bar where people are gathered in front of a big-screen TV. In the event of a pandemic, you might see indoor sporting events cancelled.
Common cold or Avian Flu?
As the deadly Avian flu continues to spread throughout the world in migratory birds, many will never know the difference between catching the Avian flu and catching a common cold.
Below we will address the symptoms of the common cold and the Avian flu to help you better diagnose you and your family.
Knowing the difference could save your life!
For more info on how to protect yourself and your family visit the Canadian Pharmacy here: http://www.thebaide.ws
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