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Due to the Growing Threat of Avian Flu Pandemic, Avian-Flu-pandemic.com Added avianflutalk Discussion Forum Providing Worldwide Communications about the H5N1 Pandemic

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:54:33 +0000

Due to the Growing Threat of Avian Flu Pandemic, Avian-Flu-pandemic.com Added avianflutalk Discussion Forum Providing Worldwide Communications about the H5N1 Pandemic

Mchenry, IL (PRWEB) February 20, 2006

Avian-Flu-pandemic.com recently launched a H5N1 bird flu discussion forum that is generating a lot of excitement among the general public. People are expected to join this new forum in waves from all around the world and expects as many as 500 new members in just over 90 days.

“These new forums allow a way for countries all around the world to collectively work together in preparing for the immanent pandemic” said the webmaster, and founder of the website. “The forum will provide an invaluable communication structure for the entire world in the event of a crisis. “It will help people to coordinate plans and share information among other people across the globe, which is very unique”.

This website’s motto of people-informing-people has added a comforting appeal to the site, which is attracting people from all over the world.

“We believe in providing a caring type of atmosphere on the forum. We understand that new visitors to the site may be a little nervous of the current situation so we will make every effort possible to comfort them. If the new visitors take their time and review the information on this site, they will have no problem adequately preparing for a Pandemic”.

The website is also a great source for receiving the latest bird flu news and developments as live news feeds from all around the world.

For all those that are interested in immediate preparation for the ensuing H5N1 bird flu pandemic, we would encourage you to visit this site located at:

http://www.Avian-Flu-Pandemic.com

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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PlanforPandemic.com Launched To Educate Public On Bird Flu Threat

admin — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 07:55:12 +0000

PlanforPandemic.com Launched To Educate Public On Bird Flu Threat

Milford, NJ (PRWEB) April 27, 2006

Amid growing concerns of the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control of a worldwide Bird Flu Pandemic, A group of proactive Internet users have created PlanforPandemic.com, a free public awareness Internet forum.

Avian Flu (H5N1) is a deadly strain of influenza that is currently killing hundreds of millions of birds worldwide. It is expected to reach the United States by late Spring. Scientists fear that a mutation may be imminent that will allow H5N1 to infect humans also. This is what occurred during the 1918 flu epidemic and, if it occurs again, the possible death toll in the U.S. and worldwide could be staggering.

The U.S. government has acknowledged that this threat is imminent. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt has been working constantly, since October 2005, with State governments to prepare them. And his one message, repeated over and over again is: the Federal Government will not be able to help during a Bird Flu Pandemic. It is up to the individual to prepare for their survival and the survival of their families.

PlanforPandemic.com was formed to help provide the information and tools necessary to survive an Avian Flu Pandemic. It’s free forums contain critical information about how to prepare for a flu pandemic, how much food and water to store and how long a pandemic may last. The latest news and information on the status of the Avian Flu is gathered and posted from reliable sources worldwide. In addition, the site regularly follows and posts articles by noted influenza researchers Dr. Robert Webster (identified the 1918 flu virus), Dr. Michael Osterholm (CDC consultant and identifier of the organism responsible for toxic shock syndrome) and Dr. Henry Niman (developer of the flu monoclonal antibody and Founder of Recombonomics, Inc, a leading research firm in the arena of emerging infectious diseases).

A wide variety of other topics relating to the issues surrounding an Avian Flu Pandemic are available and visitors to the site are encouraged to both to share and request information as needed. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Avian Flu and the current threat that it represents to their health and the health of their loved ones should visit http://www.planforpandemic.com.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

admin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:56:50 +0000

Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

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Home Page > Health > Nutrition > Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

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Posted: May 27, 2010 |Comments: 0

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Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

By: Melisa Nathan

About the Author

Hi I am Melisa Nathan, i have done Automotive engineering from Clemson University USA. Are You Looking About Automotive engineering Or luxery cars. Visit http://www.elantra.org

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Flu Threat: Lessons From Past Pandemics

Flu and the Immune System

Influenza (“flu”) strikes every year and afflicts millions. Under normal circumstances, flu is not considered a general public health risk. Of course, any disease must be taken seriously for two reasons.First of all, any disease, including flu, can become dangerous through complications.

Treatment Of Any Type Of Disease,visit

http://www.dietbuzzer.com/blog/are-you-working-mom-we-have-quick-weight-loss-tips-for-you.html

But, let’s also understand the far more important issue with regard to flu (and not just avian flu)…but disease in general. Every flu is a problem primarily because our immune system gets compromised through life’s stresses. Put bluntly, flu is “caught” by people because their immune system is not functioning well.

Immune system dysfunction and weakening occurs from constant stress, constant threat of danger, constant deprivation of nutritional needs, and constant exposure to vicissitudes of life. Flu …even deadlier strains such as avian flu, can be the result.

Specifically, flu impacts us due to an under active immune system. This is true of many diseases such as cancer, Hepatitis B and C, TB, strep, shingles as well as flu. Other disease conditions are the result of an over active immune system.

What makes this an issue of late is the fact that only recently has science begun to understand the immune system, its complications, its sheer power to fend off disease conditions and its power to aid in the healing process.

Remember that as we introduce the potential of avian flu.

Avian Flu and Pandemics of the Past

To understand the avian flu threat, we need to understand flu pandemics of the past. Flu epidemics have been explosive and unusually deadly. In past centuries, flu probably spread so fast due to humans and animals living in close proximity.

As you probably know, avian flu is a complex disease mutated from flu that kills birds. But, avian flu has mutated successfully to strike human life. Close proximity of animal and human life allows for such mutations to develop and spread.

More Information About Past Pandemics,Visit

http://www.dietbuzzer.com/blog/is-carbohydrates-bad-the-absolute-truth-revealed.html

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Melisa Nathan -
About the Author:

Hi I am Melisa Nathan, i have done Automotive engineering from Clemson University USA. Are You Looking About Automotive engineering Or luxery cars. Visit http://www.elantra.org

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New strain of the swine flu virus poses a threat to the extent of becoming a pandemic

admin — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:55:59 +0000

by Foxeo

New strain of the swine flu virus poses a threat to the extent of becoming a pandemic

On the odd occasion, this virus undergoes mutations to form a new virus strain that is able to pass from human to another with relative ease. Therefore, it has been concluded that the strain that is responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak, has undergone such a mutation.

What is Swine Influenza?

Swine influenza virus, endemic to pig populations, is said to be caused by the Orthomyxo viruses. Strains of the swine flu virus, isolated to date, have been classified as a subtype of the genus influenza virus A. The new strain is an obvious reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, which include a strain that is endemic in humans and two strains that are endemic in pigs, as well as an avian influenza virus. Reassortment is common feature in influenza viruses; this is because of the structure of their genome. However, this particular reassortment is consistent with its ability to transmit the mutated virus from pigs to humans. In the current scenario, the outbreak of this disease has been termed as the “public health emergency of international concern,” by the World Health Organization. Moreover, most concerned officials lack any knowledge with regard to its clinical features, epidemiology, and virology as well as the appropriate responses needed as a result. All the concerned government health agencies around the world are monitoring the situation closely. Swine flu is spread amongst humans on contact. The spread of the 2009 swine flu outbreak owes its existence to a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus, which was first detected in March 2009 by public health officials. There are serious concerns expressed about this novel strain because it has had a relatively high mortality rate in Mexico, and now has the potential to become a full fledged flu pandemic.

How is swine flu prevented?

Recommendations to prevent infection by the virus consist of the standard personal precautions against influenza. This includes:

Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Avoid touching the mouth, nose or eyes with the hands unless they have been washed first Cough into a tissue and throw it in the garbage immediately or if bare hands are used to cover the nose and mouth then the hands must be washed immediately.

Many countries have also confirmed that all the inbound international passengers will be screened. They will ask each passenger which countries they have visited as well as feel or look for particularly unwell passengers. Furthermore, CDC has also recommended the use of Tamiflu and Relenza for both treatment and prevention of this new strain. Some physicians also recommend the use of masks in public places as this decrease the likelihood of transmission of the virus when around an infected person. Swine flu can be further prevented by:

Knowing all the signs of swine flu which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting. Make sure you are in good health; get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Practice good hygiene; while sneezing place a disposable tissue over your mouth, throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands regularly after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Don’t share utensils or drinks.

How are swine influenza symptoms recognised?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone with symptoms of influenza should call their healthcare provider. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness. However, the strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak is normally known to cause only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.

Are there ways to reduce the spread of this disease?

The flu virus is normally thought to spread from person to person contact in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This happens when droplets from cough or sneezes are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of uninfected people nearby. Moreover, it could also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing the hands. Taking the following measures will surely arrest it from spreading to healthy humans. For this you must:

Check with your health care provider about any special care that you might need, especially if you are pregnant or have health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema Check about all your antiviral medications Stay at home for 7 days after the start of illness Drink clear fluids to keep yourself hydrated Cover up when coughing or sneezing; was your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub Avoid close contact with infected people When going out in public places always wear a mask Keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible Maintain good ventilation in shared household areas Use antivirals to prevent the flu after checking with your healthcare provider

Here we tried to provide few vital information about swine flu, also know as Swine influenza. Get detailed knowledge and ways to prevent influenza by tamiflu – The anti-viral influenza treatment drug.

Bird Flu is Still a Threat for Humanity

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:01:22 +0000

by Tristen.Pelton

Bird Flu is Still a Threat for Humanity

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza is a disease which affects the birds, especially the poultry, in different extents. The bird flu is produced by subtypes of influenza A virus and it sheds in the wild birds which transmit the virus to the poultry. The H5N1 subtype is considered to be the most pathogenic virus from all the subtypes of influenza A virus.

Chicken, ducks and turkeys get infected if they get in contact with discharges from infected birds, infected water, and infected vehicles. The eggs can also contaminate the incubator if they are from infected hens.

The birds which survive the infection can spread the virus for another period of at least 10 days through secretions, discharges and feathers.

The virus can easily spread in the area if a contaminated bird is left to roam freely; if it drinks water from the place other birds drink, this way contaminating the water. Cars can spread the virus also from one place to another if they are not disinfected properly. Shoes, cages and clothing are also a way of spreading the virus.

Humans can get infected if they get into close contact with ill birds. People who transport poultry, who feed them and clean the place the birds live in, are exposed to the virus if the birds are infected. Eating cooked chicken meal is not dangerous as the virus gets inactivated at heat.

Until now human to human transmission was not encountered.

The governments are concerned that the virus could mutate and achieve the ability of transmitting itself from one person to another. This could lead to a global pandemic and millions of people might die. Also, if this problem is not solved quickly the poultry industry will suffer and the economy of the country will drop.

In chicken the bird flu gives these symptoms: diarrhea, muscle weakness, breathing problems, sudden deaths, facial swelling, and a decline in the egg production.

In humans the symptoms of bird flu are: fever, muscle pain, sore throat and then cough, breathing problems and multi-organ failure in the last stage of the disease.

As there are so many diseases which manifest very much alike with bird flu the doctors must be very careful when diagnosing bird flu. If the patient got into close contact with a sick bird, or handles bird cages, laboratory tests will be done to see exactly if there is a bird flu infection.

There has not been yet discovered an effective vaccine against bird flu virus. The only thing humans can do is take a shot for a human influenza virus to prevent the recombination between the bird flu virus and human flu virus which could form a more threatening virus.

In order to prevent bird flu people must avoid getting into close contact with birds or their discharges; must not buy any living bird illegally as they are not controlled by the veterinaries, must report any suspect death of a bird to the authorities, and must disinfect properly after handling bird products.

For more information about bird flu or even about symptoms of bird flu please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/symptoms-of-bird-flu.htm

Swine flu is a very real threat to the world ? only urgent measures can help contain it

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:01:38 +0000

by Artnow314

Swine flu is a very real threat to the world ? only urgent measures can help contain it

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs. It is caused by one of the swine influenza A viruses. Swine flu results in high morbidity and low mortality of about 1-4%. Amongst the pigs themselves, the virus spreads through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and through asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although the pigs are prone to regular infections, incidences increase in the fall and winter months in the temperate zones. Therefore, pigs are routinely vaccinated against swine influenza in many countries.

Swine influenza viruses though commonly belong to the H1N1 subtype, other subtypes like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 are also known to be circulating in pigs. Pigs, on the other hand, are more susceptible to being infected with avian influenza viruses, human seasonal influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses, allowing the genes from the viruses to mix and result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources; this is called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are species specific, they can in extreme conditions make a crossover to cause disease in humans.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

When a person is under the weather, many symptoms may be present. However, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to normal cold and flu symptoms, and may include:

Headache Fever Cough Appetite loss Fatigue Sore throat Runny nose Chills Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Fatigue, appetite loss and diarrhea can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, it becomes imperative that you see a doctor. In order to diagnose your illness, the doctor may order:

Chest x-rays Respiratory specimen Blood work

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of the onset of the illness as this is the time when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus; however, children especially, may be shedding the virus for 7 days or longer. In order to identify the swine influenza A virus, the specimen must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing. Only RT-PCR or viral culture has the potential to confirm infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. The test performance of rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests for detection of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Persons who are suspected of having swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus and who test positive for the same using one of these tests should then have confirmatory RT-PCR or viral culture testing to confirm the presence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. A negative rapid antigen or immunofluorescence test cannot be used to rule out swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The results of this test from nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, along with other information, will in all probability help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing the test results will help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The Swine Influenza Test Kit is a sensitive test to detect the swine flu virus; however, the FDA has not cleared or approved this test. But it has been agreed by the FDA has agreed that this test can be used under an Emergency Use Authorization.

How is swine flu different from bird flu?

The swine flu and the bird flu viruses do not have a twin-like similarity but are however quite similar. The virus that causes bird flu in humans first mutated from a virus that birds had so that it could then be passed on to humans; once established, it now passes from human to human contact. Same is the case with swine flu. It started among pigs as a virus but then soon mutated to spread to humans. Viruses have the ability to replicate rapidly; these viruses are able to mutate very quickly thereby creating new strains that then move on to multiply in other areas and susceptible hosts. Avian flu so far has found it difficult to infect humans unless they were exposed to birds intensely. This is because the virus has not mutated in a way that makes it transmissible by one human to another. However, the swine flu virus has genetic origins from both pigs and birds. The biggest difference here is that the swine flu virus has mutated to an extent where it can readily be transmitted on human to human contact.

What drugs are available to treat swine flu and bird flu?

Antiviral treatment is normally the first line of treatment for the confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, prioritizing treatment of hospitalized patients and patients with high risk for complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with actively works against influenza viruses, including the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are generally used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications are prescribed by a health care professional.

As of today, four influenza antiviral drugs are approved for use in the United States. They are:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) Amantadine Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Laboratory testing conducted on the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far has indicated that the viruses are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder as well prevent serious influenza complications. However, these antiviral drugs work best when they are started within two days of the onset of the illness. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure to protect a person who has been or may be near a person with swine flu. Antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

Antiviral doses recommended for treatment of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in adults or children 1 year of age or older are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. Oseltamivir use in children less than 1 year of age was recently approved by the U.S. FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Moreover, there are vaccines available that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza from spreading. Nonetheless, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu yet. It is believed that the seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

Through this article we tried to provide you few facts about Swine Flu and other necessary information related to influenza. Know what swine flu symptoms are, how swine flu is different from Bird Flu, Oseltamivir Tamiflu to treat swine flu.

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Influenza Treatment To Triumph Over The Pandemic Threat

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:56:10 +0000

by ANGELOUX

Influenza Treatment To Triumph Over The Pandemic Threat

Influenza is one of the more common illnesses affecting a person. There is no specific age group that is prone or not prone to influenza. It affects the young and the old in equal measure. Also, perfectly healthy people can be affected by this virus. Older people are definitely more vulnerable from it and it’s advisable that they get immediate medical attention for the same.

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection. Typically, the virus spreads when an infected person sneezes and coughs. The tiny droplets of saliva help carry the virus and spread it in the air, easily infecting other people in the vicinity. The virus affects the nose, bronchi, lungs and throat. The infection is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, cough and muscle pain. Some other symptoms of influenza include headache, runny nose, increased sensitivity to light, ocular pain, and a burning sensation in the chest.

The influenza pandemic

The most recent occurrence of the influenza pandemic was in the form of swine flu which spread on a worldwide scale. It affected populations across the globe and countries found it tough to restrict its spread due to the unavailability of any vaccine that could help combat the threat. An influenza pandemic differs in scope to the regular seasonal influenza epidemics. Pandemics are irregular and the mortality rates are high. The latest influenza pandemic has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people worldwide. Swine flu became a pandemic because it was caused by a new strain of the influenza virus. People hadn’t developed the immunity to this virus strain as they had with the older strains of human influenza.

Influenza – Treatment options

There is a range of treatment options available for influenza. It includes a mixture of medications and therapies. There are two types of treatment option for the virus. The first targets the virus directly, while the second provides relief from the associated symptoms of this condition. In the latter, the body’s immune system acts on the virus to help it recover from the infection. The two main antiviral drugs that are used against influenza belong to the family of medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamiflu, its active ingredient oseltamivir, and Relenza, its active ingredient zanamivir, are the two commonly prescribed medications for influenza.

Tamiflu – One of the first options for influenza treatment

There are many drugs available for the treatment of influenza, but Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is the most prescribed option. This is because it not only works against influenza Type A virus, but is also effective against the influenza Type B virus. It was also found to effectively treat the symptoms associated with swine flu. Tamiflu takes the lead over most other medications as it directly fights the virus and not its symptoms. Tamiflu is not an over-the-counter drug and a doctor’s prescription is necessary if you want to buy the drug. It’s important that you apprise your doctor of your medical history and intake of medications during the consultation. This will make sure that your doctor prescribes Tamiflu keeping your overall health perspective in mind.

Get more information on working of Tamiflu, its side effects, news and detailed information on Influenza from euroClinix.net.

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Swine flu vaccince may have medical threat?

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:16:49 +0000

Swine flu or the H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of 1500 people across the world. Now as countries prepare for their vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread of swine flu, it seems that there is another threat to look out for. It’s called the Guillain Barre syndrome and it’s been linked to swine flu vaccines from the 1970s.