The risk to humans is generally low, however during any outbreak of Avian Flu among poultry, there is always a possible risk to humans who have contact with the infected birds and surfaces contaminated with excretions from the infected fowl (Avian1). The current outbreak of H5N1 among poultry in Asia and Europe is an example of a bird flu outbreak that has caused human infections and death (Avian1). In rare instances, limited human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus has occurred, however transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person (Avian1). Because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could mutate and infect humans with a strain that could easily spread from one person to another (Avian1).
Furthermore, according to the CDC, because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population, thus if the H5N1 virus were able to infect humans and spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic, or worldwide outbreak of disease, could begin (Avian1). No one can predict when a pandemic might occur, however experts from around the world are monitoring the H5N1 situation in Asia very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily and widely from person to person (Avian1). Although the H5N1 virus currently in Asia is resistant to the two antiviral medications, amantadine and rimantadine, two other antiviral medications, oseltamavir and zanamavir, are believed to be effective in treating the H5N1 virus, however the CDC cautions that additional studies still need to be done in order to prove their effectiveness (Avian1). Currently there is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe, but vaccine development efforts are taking place (Avian1). In fact, research studies to test a vaccine that would protect humans against H5N1 virus began in April 2005, and a series of clinical trials is underway (Avian1).
The current risk from the H5N1 virus to Americans is low, and although the virus strain has been found in Asia and Europe, so far it has not been found in the Untied States and there have been no human cases of H5N1 flu reported in the U.S. (Avian1). However, it is possible that travelers returning from affected countries could be infected if they were exposed to the virus, therefore since February 2004, medical and public health officials...
Symptoms of the bird flu in humans vary depending on the exact subtype which that individual has been infected with. Most people contract the avian influenza from coming into contact with infected birds, "During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds," (CDC 2007). The etiological
Marketing Protection from a Potential Bird Flu Pandemic A popular saying is that it 'is an ill wind that blows nobody good.' This means that even something as dire as the looking threat of a bird flu pandemic has the ability to increase demand for manufactures of a vaccine -- or in this case, a facemask that when used in combination with duct tape provides limited protection against catching the dreaded
Medications must be continued until the vaccine becomes effective. She should contact the state of local health department immediately about the outbreak and report cases to the local health department. The Watson Caring Theory may be infused in the role and functions of the community health nurse when treating and caring for patients or victims of influenza. Jean Watson's 10 carative factors can translate into clinical caritas processes and bring
In the event of such an epidemic, it is reasonable to assume that public health departments will be pressed to find ways to maintain their services even when employees are ill, normal supply chains are disrupted, and the nation's infrastructure is inoperative; furthermore, the traditional roles of environmental health professionals can also be expected to change in dramatic ways during a period of pandemic influenza (Fabian, 2006). As U.S. Secretary
However, one cannot develop the vaccine before the outbreak occurs. From development to commercial production of the vaccine would take approximately three months after a pandemic has been declared (WHO, 2008). The vaccine developed must be matched exactly to the disease, or it will prove ineffective. The development of a vaccine that is not effective is a waste of money, resources, and will do nothing to help stop the
Health-Nursing Avian Influenza Avian Influenza is a disease that humans are becoming exposed to through contact, either directly or indirectly with infected poultry or fowl. This paper intends to explore the history of the flu as well as what is being done to combat this infectious and deadly disease. Avian Influenza, also known as Avian flu or "bird flu" is "an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza
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