Bird Flu
By: Mitchell Reeser
Virus
Birds, like people, get the flu. It infects birds, including chickens, other poultry, and wild birds such as ducks. Most of the time it only infects other birds, but it can infect people. It can mutate and infect many people. The first case of a bird flu virus infecting people was in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, it has spread to other countries.
Bird Flu Virus
This is the flu virus, including parts and how it works.
Infected Human
This is the parts of the body affected by the flu virus. Most human cases of “highly pathogenic“ infection have occurred in people who had recent contact with sick or dead poultry that were infected with the viruses. About 60% of people infected with the virus died from their illness.
Disposal
Disposal process of infected animals. They must be very careful.
Treatment
No standard flu vaccines protect against bird flu. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu could help to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Bird Flu
Scientific name
Avian Influenza is the proper scientific name for bird flu.
Symptoms
Symptoms:
- Fever and cough
- Acute respiratory distress
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Complications:
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory failure
- Shock
- Altered mental state
- Seizures
- Failure of multiple organs (e.g. kidney failure)
- Death