WHAT IS THIS?
This disease is transmitted by Influenza type A (H5N1) (Ortho myxovirus).
Usually the spread of disease is by droplet nuclei.
Not through fomites or by large particle.
There are three type of Influenza is in the globe.
Type A Type B Type C.
We are concerned with Type A infections.
Pandemics (Mass spread) associated with higher death rate typically are associated with Type A infections.
HISTORY
Human cases were reported from Hong Kong in December 1997
Human cases of avian influenza again occurred in 2004 Vietnam, Thailand and several Asian countries.
Massive poultry slaughter ensued in 1997, and culling and killing was carried out in 2004 in several Asian countries including Japan.
HOW IT SPREAD
The highest risk for disease occurs among those with poultry (hen, rooster, pullet, capon, chick, fowl) exposure.
HOW WE -doctors SUSPECT
Sudden Fever lasts for 3-5 days
Chills
Malaise
Myalgias
Substernal sourness
Headache
Nasal stuffiness
And may be nausea (Vomiting sensation)
Non-productive cough
Sore throat
WE ALSO SEE
Mild pharyngeal injections
Flushed face
Conjunctival redness
WHAT LAB TECHNICIAN SAYS
Reduced white blood cells (Leokopenia)
Virus from the throat washings
Virus is isolated by inoculation of embryonated eggs( This is almost impossible in Indian set up)
COMPLICATIONS
Secondary bacterial infection
Even going to the level of Pneumonia.
VACCINATION
Trivalent influenza virus vaccine provides partial immunity (about 85% efficacy) for a few months to one year.
The vaccine’s antigenic configuration changes yearly and is based on prevalent strains of preceding year.
But for this years strain NO VACCINE IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE
.PREVENTION
Prevention of exposure to avian influenza strains also include hygienic practices during handling of poultry products, including hand washing and prevention of cross contamination, as well as thorough cooking , to 70 degree C of poultry products.
Nonthless,the risk of acquiring avian influenza through the consumption of poultry products is very small.
TREATMENT AND MEDICINES
Many patients with influenza prefer to rest in bed.
Analgesics and cough syrup may be used.
Other preventive medications
Amantadine (200 mg/d orally in divided doses)
Rimantadine (200 mg/d in two divided doses)
Oseltamivir (75 mg/ day)
Zanamivir (10 mg inhaled daily)
All these medicines are more effective when given within 48 hours after the symptom (Disease) onset.
IN CHILDREN
Paracetamol rather than aspirin should be used for fever in Children
He may start a new thread detailing his experience with the 
