Avian Influenza Treatment

Avian Influenza Treatments: Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease affecting birds and mammals, caused by an RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae and genus Influenzavirus A . Symptoms include fever, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which lead to severe respiratory illnesses that can be fatal if untreated. There are no current drugs to treat the illness in humans yet; however, research has shown that certain classes of drugs have the potential to treat avian influenza.

1 . Take Off All Contaminated Clothing

The moment you or a family member shows symptoms of avian influenza, it’s imperative to remove all clothes that may have come into contact with infected fluids. Fluids from infected birds are highly contagious and can easily transmit to humans through direct contact. It is also important to wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer after removing any contaminated clothing.

2 . Wash Hands Thoroughly

It’s often said that hand-washing is one of the best defenses against colds and flu and that’s no less true for avian flu. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly (including under fingernails) with soap and warm water as frequently as possible during flu season, including before handling food or eating. (Remember: Keep hand sanitizers out of children’s reach!)

3 . Practice Good Hygiene

Proper hand washing is crucial for avoiding many different types of illnesses, especially influenza. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands. Additionally, avoid close contact with those who are exhibiting symptoms of avian flu.

4 . Stay Home From Work/School

The spread of avian influenza is often person-to-person. Don’t allow yourself to be exposed. Stay home from work or school if you show symptoms, including fever, respiratory problems, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and muscle aches. The incubation period for bird flu is approximately one to three days with a range of two to five days. Most people who get H5N1 become sick within four days of exposure, but some may take up to 14 days to exhibit any symptoms at all.

5 . See A Doctor If Suspected

If you’re concerned that you may have avian influenza, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your doctor will likely run a series of tests to determine if you have avian influenza and how to best treat it. Doctors may also use blood tests to test for antibodies, which are part of your immune system’s response to disease; these can show whether or not you’ve been exposed.

6 . Get Vaccinated Against Bird Flu

The H5N1 virus has infected more than 550 people and caused 358 deaths since 2003. Although humans can’t spread avian flu, it’s possible to catch it from an infected bird or mammal. As such, everyone traveling to an area with a high risk of avian flu transmission should get vaccinated against infection with H5N1.