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 spread of disease. This does not mean that a vaccine is useless, it will help to control and stop the pandemic once it is started. Without the development of a vaccine, the pandemic would have a more devastating effect on the human population. The disease would literally be able to spread unchecked on a global basis.
There are currently two drugs on the market that are effective against H5N1. They are both in the neuraminidase inhibitor class. Osletamivir (tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce the severity and duration of seasonal influenza (WHO, 2008). These two drugs are effective, but their effectiveness is dependent upon several variables. They are most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset (WHO, 2008). This can be problematic, as many people do not seek help until the symptoms are severe or have persisted over a considerable amount of time. These two drugs offer the greatest hope for the H5N1 virus, but there is still no guarantee that they will be effective against the pandemic strain.
The number of humans affected by avian flu is dwarfed by the number of birds infected on a global basis (WHO, 2008). However, this is not the key cause for concern. It is not what the disease has done in the past that is of concern, it is what it has the potential to do in the future that causes the greatest concern. In no instance has the virus spread beyond first generation close contacts or caused general illness in the community (WHO, 2008). However, this does not minimize the risk associated with H5N1.
H5N1 has the potential to have a significant impact on the human population. It continues to spread to new areas and to be found in species that were not known...
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
, 1378). Much like other influenza a viruses, the virion of the H5N1 virus is enveloped and is either spherical or filamentous as to its formation and in clinical isolates, the virus has been shown to be more filamentous, while in some laboratory strains, it appears more spherical (Beigel, et al., 1379). As to the genome of the H5N1 virus, this is composed of eight single non-paired RNA strands, containing a
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
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
spread? Classification of the influenza virus Definition of pandemic and causes and reasons for its spread How well is USA prepared for the onset of the influenza virus? The morbidity and mortality rates of the influenza virus Details about WHO and CDC and their methods of tackling the disease End Notes Influenza Pandemic What is Influenza and how does it spread: Influenza is defined as a severe infection of the respiratory tract and is shown in the inflammation
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