Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur among birds naturally. Wild birds all over the world carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is extremely contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including ducks, turkeys, and chickens, 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 World health Organization (WHO) issued a prophetic warning in December 2004. It claimed that if bird flu triggered the next pandemic, the virus would likely originate in Asia. This seems to becoming a harsh reality. As of September 2005, a total of 63 people have died in Southeast Asia. 11 countries have now fallen victim, as more and more people are infected and hospitalised.

"No government, no head of state can be taken unawares," said WHO director general Lee Jong-Wook. "It is very important for all of us to be prepared..."

He advised countries should prepare for a pandemic by stockpiling antiviral drugs and positioning them in high-risk areas; intensifying efforts in vaccine development; and planning for massive economic and social disruptions.

Remember governments and wealthy commercial companies are rapidly buying supplies and stockpiling known antiviral drugs. It is prudent to start protecting your family now by ordering drugs such as Tamiflu®, as pharmaceutical companies are warning that stocks are quickly being depleted.

Studies of Oseltamivir (sold commercially as Tamiflu®, and manufactured by Roche Laboratories Inc.), show promise against H5N1 Influenza Virus - bird flu virus. The drug dramatically boosted the survival rate of infected mice.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded this mice research in mid - 2005 and the results are published online in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. British researchers reported finding H5N1 flu virus in the spinal fluid of a young boy who died of influenza in Vietnam earlier in the year 2005, an indication that H5N1 is able to infect the human brain.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of bird flu may depend on which virus caused the infection.

Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

The H5N1 virus currently infecting birds in Asia that has caused human illness and death is resistant to amantadine and rimantadine, two antiviral medications commonly used for influenza. Two other antiviral medications, Oseltamavir (Tamiflu®) and Zanamavir, are proving successful in the battle to treat flu caused by the H5N1 virus. Studies and research continue.

"In 1999, The US Food and Drug Administration approved these two new drugs that are effective for the treatment of both influenza A and influenza B. These drugs, called neuraminidase inhibitors, block the normal function of the viral neuraminidase." (Source: NFID)

Tamiflu® (Roche Laboratories Inc.) and Relenza® (Glaxo Wellcome) are both drugs classified as neuraminidase inhibitors and do help protect you and your family.

The antiviral medication Tamiflu® was prescribed more often than any other during last year's (2004) flu season. It is indicated for the treatment of influenza in patients 1 year and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days.

It attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading inside your body. Tamiflu® treats flu at its source by attacking the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking symptoms.

This antiviral is also indicated for the prevention of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older.

Make contact with your doctor and ask if Tamiflu® is right for you for the treatment or prevention of flu. These drugs can be ordered online.

Tamiflu ® - The first known antiviral known to be effective against the Avian Flu. A tablet that is taken by mouth twice a day for 5 days. Should be used within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.

Relenza ® - The second known antiviral known to be effective against the Avian Flu. Inhaled as a powder twice a day for 5 days. A special device called a diskhaler is supplied with the medication.

In conclusion, the best methods for protecting you and your family, is to ensure that after taking advice from your health care provider, you become vaccinated. Purchase antiviral drugs and familiarise yourself with the new drug-free 3 minute Cold and Flu procedure, discovered by doctors after an accident with polio virus research.

Stay up to date with the excellent free information provided online by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Center For Drug Evaluation And Research); World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).