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The Dangers and Concerns of Avian Flu
What is Avian Flu (Bird Flu)
Avian flu is an infection caused by a certain kind of influenza virus. Although there are many kinds of avian flu, the kind that now concerns health workers is the H5N1 avian flu virus. This virus is found in wild birds. Most of the time, wild birds don’t get sick from the virus. However, wild birds can easily pass the virus to birds that are being raised for food, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
What causes avian flu?
People who come into contact with infected chickens, ducks, or turkeys are more likely to get the virus. There have been a few cases where it was passed human to human. The flu virus can be passed through bird droppings and saliva. It can also live on surfaces such as cages, tractors, and other farm equipment. The virus may be transmitted into indoor areas like floors and counter tops by people who come in contact with infected birds. Read the rest of this entry »
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What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu or swine influenza is a disease common in swine, with normal flu-like symptoms, but caused by any strain of the swine influenza virus (SIV – virus endemic in pigs). Though rare in humans, individuals with greater exposure to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the particular rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans. Even then, it is a rare occurrence for the strain to be able to pass from human to human. This could occur if the SIV is able to mutate into a form that can be easily transmitted among humans.
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