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Can the Avian Bird Flu Affect Humans |
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Thursday, 07 June 2007 |
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Can the Avian bird flu affect humans? The simple answer to this question is yes. However it’s a little more complicated than that. There are different forms of the Avian bird flu which are distinguished because of the changes in two proteins, the hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA] proteins. Various combinations of these two proteins determine the type of Avian bird flu virus. There are many forms of the Avian bird flu virus and each form can be found in birds but not all forms affect humans.
When talking about the Avian bird flu, it usually regards the virus found in birds since this infection is generally seen in birds. Avian bird flu can be contracted by humans however, the risk is low. However in the past there have been reported cases of humans having the Avian bird flu. Humans who contract this virus normally do so through contaminated domestic birds such as ducks, chickens and turkeys. A human could be infected by handling objects that were in contact with contaminated birds. The chances of one human passing the Avian bird flu virus to another human is highly unlikely. It has been reported but the instances are extremely limited.The Avian bird flu virus is changing and perhaps in the future it may be more risky to humans. If contracted by humans, the Avian bird flu symptoms include those similar to typical influenza like sore throat, cough, muscle aches, headache and fever. It can also cause eye infections, pneumonia and respiratory problems. In cases where humans experience respiratory problems, if sever enough, it can be life-threatening. The seriousness of the Avian bird flu depends totally on the type – the combination of the proteins involved. So although this infection isn’t normally a threat to humans, it is possible and can be quite serious. |
