What is Avian Flu (Bird Flu)? Avian Flu, or "Bird Flu", is an infection caused by an influenza virus that usually infects wild or domesticated birds (particularly poultry) but occasionally crosses the species barrier and infects humans.
What is the difference between Avian Flu and Seasonal (regular) Flu?
Avian Flu is caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that has adapted to and affects birds, not humans. But in recent years, the virus appears to have changed (mutated) allowing it to jump species and rarely infect humans. By contrast, the Seasonal (regular) Flu virus is specifically adapted to humans. Infection usually occurs in the winter season.
How did Avian Flu originate?
Wild birds are a natural reservoir for these viruses and may carry these viruses without becoming ill due to natural resistance. Some migratory birds are therefore responsible for the primary introduction of infection to domestic poultry.Why are we concerned about Avian Flu?If the virus gains the ability to easily infect humans and spread from human to human, it could cause a global epidemic, called a pandemic. Since humans have no immunity to this new form of influenza, it could become life threatening.
Is Avian Flu a form of SARS?
No. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness (recognized as a global threat in March 2003) which is caused by a coronavirus, not an influenza virus.
Can Avian Flu be spread from infected birds to humans?I
n rare instances, people can contract Avian Flu from infected birds. The exact mode of transmission from birds to humans is not known, but all human cases of Avian Flu have been traced to direct contact with live infected birds or their droppings.
Can Avian Flu spread from human to human?
At this time, there are no known cases of Avian Flu spreading directly from human to human. The potential exists that the virus may someday change and acquire the ability to spread easily from human to human. There is currently no evidence that this is happening.
God is With Us
