The Possibility of Bird Flu Pandemic
The latest cause for concern is the
H5N1 strain of the avian flu. Before 1997, it was never before
encountered by humans. And while only several hundred have been
infected worldwide, about 60 % of them have died from this new
strain of avian flu. The reason why is has not been more
problematic is that it is not easily spread from one human to
another.
Influenza has perhaps been one of the world's most
prolific killers in the past. In fact, there have been three
pandemics in the past century that killed millions of people.
What most people don't realize is that various strains of avian
flu have been behind all of the pandemics. The last pandemic
was in 1968 and the World Health Organization is worried that
the recent outbreaks of a new strain of avian flu could trigger
another pandemic.
Pandemics are caused when a virus never before encountered
by a human's immune system surfaces to cause infection. This
infection causes ruthless sickness and even death while
spreading easily from one human host to another.
The latest cause for concern is the H5N1 strain of the avian
flu. Before 1997, it was never before encountered by humans.
And while only several hundred have been infected worldwide,
about 60 % of them have died from this new strain of avian
flu. The reason why is has not been more problematic is
that it is not easily spread from one human to another.
How the H5N1 Bird Flu is Contracted
People who handle birds directly are at the most risk of
contracting this latest avian flu strain. Bird feces can
shelter the avian flu virus for days and therefore pose a great
risk. Feces can dry and contaminate the feet, feathers and
other parts of the bird. Inhaling the dust or debris from feces
is one way to contract the flu as well as coming in contact
with a flu contaminant and then touching the eyes, nose or
mouth area.
Poultry farmers and butchers who deal with the killing and
cleaning of dead birds can also contract the virus. Feathers
can easily harbor the avian flu virus so when workers pluck the
birds they could be inhaling the germs or again, touching the
face at vulnerable areas. Plucking the feathers can make the
avian flu contaminants go airborne.
Hand SanitizerAvoid Infection By Maintaining a Healthy Home
Some germs are good as they can help your body develop antibodies to fight off infections. However, too many germs is not a good thing and can keep you in your sick bed if you are not careful. It is often said that your home could be the biggest germ factory in your life, spreading infection and preventing faster recovery times.
With some easy adjustments to your regular home routine, you can cut down on the infectious germs that cause such illnesses as the cold, flu, allergies and even gastrointestinal issues. There is no need to invest in too many antibacterial products as they can be counterproductive.
Health And Safety
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Because the virus can live for several days outside the
human host, this can cause even more ways to contract this bird
flu. Excrement from birds could easily contaminate water
sources. In addition, there is the possibility of getting the
virus via the consumption of raw or improperly cooked poultry.
However, there has been no real evidence thus far of this
happening.
Luckily this H5N1 avian flu is very hard to contract. Mostly
it is just birds that are affected but a small portion of
people who work in close direct contact with birds can also get
the flu. However, due to the number of poultry farms and wild
birds and the low incidence of human flu victims, it is rather
safe to say that the chances are not likely.
The regular influenza vaccine can help in fighting the avian
flu should you actually beat the overwhelming odds and contract
it. While it won't prevent it 100%, the shot will give you the
immunological tools to fight it. The shots help prevent both
type A and type B flu strains and the avian flu is part of the
type A family.
Washing your hands, particularly after handling any type of
bird is a wise move. Also cooking your poultry products
properly should be another preventative measure. Other than
smart hygiene practices, there is not much else you can do to
protect yourself from the latest bird flu
strain. Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
10/11/2008
Topical infection control – including surgery preps, scrubs and sealants (Pharmalicencing)
The client is seeking in-licensing partners for its topical infection control products. In-licensing for the hospital market.
Topical infection control – including surgery preps, scrubs and sealants (Pharmalicencing)
10/15/2008
Virus control endorsed (iafrica.com)
A task team has endorsed the infection control procedures at Morningside Medi-Clinic.
Virus control endorsed (iafrica.com)
10/14/2008
Ashford And St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust Improves Infection Control Practices, UK (Medical News Today)
The Healthcare Commission yesterday (Monday) announced that Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust has made necessary improvements in infection control. It said the trust is now compliant with the requirements of an improvement notice, issued on 18 June 2008, which required immediate changes to infection control practices.
Ashford And St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust Improves Infection Control Practices, UK (Medical News Today)
10/13/2008
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
DALLAS----Infection Control Guidelines issued by the nation's top epidemiological societies, the American Hospital Association, and the Joint Commission offer compelling evidence that prevention programs, universal screening, vigilant hand-washing, and other precautions prevent spread of deadly infection in U.S. hospitals.
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
10/13/2008
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
DALLAS----Infection Control Guidelines issued by the nation's top epidemiological societies, the American Hospital Association, and the Joint Commission offer compelling evidence that prevention programs, universal screening, vigilant hand-washing, and other precautions prevent spread of deadly infection in U.S. hospitals.
Unotron Lauds New Infection Control Guidelines Issued By the American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission As ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
10/15/2008
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
Concerns are being raised about NHS performance on infection control in England - just weeks after ministers announced its target had been met.
Watchdog questions MRSA progress (BBC News)
10/11/2008
Topical infection control – including surgery preps, scrubs and sealants (Pharmalicencing)
The client is seeking in-licensing partners for its topical infection control products. In-licensing for the hospital market.
Topical infection control – including surgery preps, scrubs and sealants (Pharmalicencing)
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