Symptoms and diagnosis of avian influenza

Bird flu is an infection, the causative agent of which is a certain kind of avian influenza virus. This disease exists in many variations, but the most dangerous is H5N1. His are exposed to wild and domestic birds that can be healthy, and to be only carriers of the disease. Were revealed a higher stability of wild birds to effects of the virus, rather than the representatives of the domestic populations.

Avian influenza in humans is affection of the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract, wherein the strain of influenza is characterized by a high fatality rate.

Initially, the bird flu was called the "chicken fever" and "chicken plague." It was first identified in 1878, a veterinarian from Italy. But after determining viral bases of disease, the disease was renamed to "bird flu".

The spread of avian flu among people

Cases of human infection of bird flu not so much, but much of it still ended with the death of patients.

In Hong Kong in 1997 was the first reported case of bird flu not only birds but also people. In the outbreaks of the disease were hospitalized 18 people, 6 of whom died. In each case, was established the infection is transmitted directly from birds to humans.

After two years in Hong Kong were newly registered two cases, each of which ended with the cure of infected patients.

Avian influenza have reminded of itself in Hong Kong in 2003, when she became ill, 2 members of the same family. This case ended with one fatal outcome. In the same year, the outbreak was registered in the Netherlands, where he was infected 86 people, who cared for the sick birds. These cases proceeded without apparent symptoms and was confined to eye infections and a fatal outcome in one patient.

The largest outbreak was recorded in 2004. Was first detected a significant mutation of the virus.

In today's time, cases of bird flu were recorded in Cambodia, Thailand, Turkey and Indonesia. The total number of infections is about 200.

Ways of infection with avian influenza

The main category of carriers of a dangerous virus are birds. A person can catch the disease by contact with sick birds. According to the scientists, carry the virus can and some animals, which while not symptoms of disease. Infection often occurs by airborne droplets way, when the malicious microorganism penetrates into the respiratory tract or eyes. But revealed isolated cases of infection after contact with sick people.

Most of the infections occur still as a result of direct contact with carriers of the virus. Not received your confirmation, the risk of catching flu by eating the meat of infected birds, as it marked the death of the virus when exposed to high temperatures. But this does not apply to eating eggs raw.

The symptoms of bird flu

The presence of the disease is quite difficult to recognize, because in many cases the development of the disease may pass asymptomatic. Signs of the flu that sick bird, can be to reduce egg production, and various infringements of work of respiratory organs. But the manifestation of the disease may acquire and lightning form, in which there is rapid destruction of birds.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans is represented by:

• fever;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• pharyngitis;
• the increase in body temperature (in some cases it was observed the increase in temperature up to 39 degrees);
• impaired functioning of the digestive tract;
• the appearance of bleeding from the gums;
• pain in the muscles.

Signs of avian influenza differ little from the usual symptoms of the disease, and this is due to the difficulty of diagnosis.

Bird flu may trigger the development of eye infections (conjunctivitis). On the background of the disease may develop pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome - a disease, which affects the lungs and often end in death.

It was found that from the moment of infection to death is about 8 days. Acute respiratory failure has been observed for 5-6 days after the appearance of the first signs of the disease.

Diagnostics of avian influenza

Bird flu threat high likelihood of completing a lethal outcome of the patient are therefore crucial to the timely and correct diagnosis.

Specialist makes a diagnosis after a physical examination of the patient, survey and analysis of the results of some studies. If you suspect avian influenza, the doctor may ask about prior contacts with birds, cases of the use of eggs and chicken meat in raw form, by contacting with people suffering from this strainflu.

As additional research can be conducted blood tests and x-ray examination of the lungs.

The treatment of the disease

Treatment of bird flu depend on which organs were affected. Noted the high effectiveness of different antiviral drugs.

A patient with signs of avian influenza should be placed in an isolated room. In contact with the patient, all health care providers are required to use personal protective equipment in the form of coats and gloves.

As shown by many studies, to treat the disease can be used in products designed for all varieties of influenza affecting the human body. But there is a high probability of increasing the resistance of the bird flu virus to the drugs.

A common cure for bird flu is often represented by a neuraminidase inhibitor. There is no established duration of treatment and the dosage of drugs, so experts prefer the doses that have been approved.

For suspected avian influenza should avoid any methods of self-medication, because this disease requires immediate hospitalization of the patient.

Prevention of bird flu

If after contact with poultry has shown the first signs of flu, you need to urgently seek qualified help.

Vaccine for this serious disease still exists, therefore, great attention should be paid to prevention of disease. Special caution is required in period of epidemic.

At this time, should avoid visiting poultry farms and any contact with poultry, open-air markets selling live birds.

If in the household there are birds, it is necessary to protect children from any contact with them.

In the case of the death of the animal to it is not recommended to touch it without gloves on his hands. After the destruction of dead birds clothing must be washed and hands thoroughly washed.

The person who have to travel to country with avian influenza epidemic, should consult with a professional regarding the necessary vaccinations. This should be done several weeks before the trip. Such measures will help to prevent the flu and avoid further diagnostics of avian influenza in case of infection.

It is recommended that constant use of gauze bandages, with a constant they change at least every three hours.

Should remember about the rules of personal hygiene involving frequent hand washing, and avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, and homemadebirds.

Great attention should be paid to improving the immune system. To this end, the diet it is recommended to dilute a variety of products, rich in vitamins. As additional measures can be applied to drugs that stimulate the immune system.

Be careful!