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Wednesday, 13 June 2007 |
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The H5N1 bird flu strain is a form of the Avian bird flu. H5N1 is also referred to as influenza A (H5N1) virus and is extremely contagious among the bird population. The H5N1 bird flu strain is not only contagious among birds but can also be fatal. This strain of the bird flu does not normally pose a risk to humans but there have been cases of the H5N1 bird flu strain reported in humans. The only way this virus could be contracted by humans is through direct contact with contaminated objects or infected birds, usually poultry.
Of the many Avian flu viruses, the H5N1 bird flu strain has caused the most problems in humans. There have been instances where individuals have become very ill due to the H5N1 bird flu strain. Some people have died after being infected by this particular strain of the Avian bird flu. There are likely people who’ve been mildly affected by the H5N1 bird flu strain but perhaps not diagnosed or reported as having bird flu. Because this particular bird flu strain doesn’t normally infect humans, the H5N1 virus is quite difficult to pass form one individual to another. Scientists say that since flu viruses have the potential to change, in the future the H5N1 bird flu strain may put people at risk and may have the potential to be contagious among humans.Right now, in the present, humans are not targeted for the H5N1 bird flu strain. In the past some people who’ve been infected with this strain of the Avian bird flu have been treated with drugs which are sometimes prescribed for typical influenza. However, with ongoing research hopefully one day in the future scientists will be able to create a vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu strain. If looking for information on this particular form of Avian bird flu, the Internet is a great source with details on H5N1 outbreaks and updates regarding this virus. |
