AVIAN INFLUENZA IN MAN.

Avian influenza also referred to as bird flu caused by the bird flu virus is of various strains and virulence.The various strains of the bird flu virus has various virulence in various animal specie including man. The H5N1 strain is very virulent in chicken and highly pathogenic in man. The possible route of infection with the bird flu virus are as follows; 1) contact with infected birds. 2)contact with surfaces,floors,clothing and tools contaminated with infected poultry droppings. 3)Living in close proximity with poultry houses and sharing gadgets,implements and tools. 4)Processing infected poultry. 5)Handling dead infected poultry. 6)Visiting aviaries,parks and wild life resorts where there is an incidence and where large numbers of reservoir host. 7)Purchasing artworks or decorations made from infected birds such as feather pens,hand fans and feather mosaics. 8)Purchasing furnishings made from infected poultry such as pillows,foot cushions,throw pillows with feather stuffing's. 9)Visitations to live bird markets with various species of birds from various sources with critical health status. 10) Handling infected organs from birds especially when collecting samples. Avian influenza in man can be treated if the patients starts medication and treatment early.The signs include fever,severe headaches,followed by chest pain,coughing and sneezing.This is accompanied by muscular pains and generalized body weakness. The patient is usually isolated and treated with Tamiflu,the prognosis of which depends on the time of initiation of treatment. Avian influenza is deadly but preventable,stay safe. Hand washing after handling poultry and also restriction of visits to parks and zoos where incidence of bird flu has been reported.The simple technique of isolation,disinfection will curb the spread.