Bird/Pandemic Flu Description

The avian (bird) flu is caused by a subtype (H5N1) of the influenza virus that occurs naturally in birds. Worldwide wild birds carry this form of the virus, but do not usually get sick from it. Infected birds shed the virus from their nasal secretions, saliva, and feces. A growing number of Bird Flu cases have been reported in Europe, Asia, and Africa since 2003.

This version of the avian flu (H5N1) has been one of the few avian influenza viruses that have had the ability to infect other species, specifically humans, and is the most deadly to cross the species barrier. Most cases in humans have been traced back to contact with infected poultry, and more than half of these cases have resulted in death. So far the virus has not been spread beyond one person at a time, but the fear is that the virus will mutate giving it the ability to spread from person to person. If this should happen, it is very likely that a pandemic outbreak will occur. A flu pandemic occurs when a new strain of the influenza virus is introduced for which people have little or no immunity.

Symptoms of the bird flu and very much like the flu you get immunized against every year. These symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, respiratory problems, and pneumonia. One way to prepare for a flu pandemic is to develop a vaccine that can be made in large amounts, and that also produces strong immune responses. Many more doses of vaccines could be available providing protection for more people worldwide.

Call us for more information on the bird flu vaccine or to see if you qualify for a study near you.