Asian Bird Flu Facts
 Bird Flu Fact # 1: What is bird flu?
Bird flu is an infection caused by viruses that occur naturally among birds. Wild birds carry the viruses in their body, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among all birds and can even affect domesticated birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, and eventually kill them.
Bird Flu Fact # 2: What affect does this flu have on humans?
Until recently there has been almost no effect caused from these bird viruses but several cases, starting in 1997, have proven that it could become a worldwide problem in the near future. There have been over 50 cases in Asia that have proven Bird Flu has the potential to kill humans.
Bird Flu Fact # 3: What symptoms does bird flu give me?
Symptoms can range widely, they can just be like normal flu attributes: headaches, nausea, sore throat, muscle pain and coughing. Alternatively they can cause more severe effects: pneumonia, respiratory problems and other life-threatening conditions.
Bird Flu Fact # 4: Can bird flu be cured yet?
Studies have proven that our current cures can prevent the virus from causing serious harm and slow it down but due to the complexity of viruses they are able to mutate and become resistant to these drugs. At present there is no cure that can actively destroy this virus.
Bird Flu Fact # 5: Why does it have so many names?
Only one name can be used to describe this specific virus, it is called H5N1. The media though has adapted many names to describe the virus, Bird flu, Fowl flu and Avian flu all quite clearly state the connection with the animal involved.
Bird Flu Fact # 6: Am I at risk from bird flu?
At present you shouldn't feel alarmed in any way as the current cases are contained, many governments are providing assistance to help the fight against this and it is currently only found in the regions in and around Asia and Eastern Europe.
Bird Flu Fact # 7: Would feeding wild birds put me at risk?
There is very little risk at present to suggest that feeding wild birds would put you in any sort of danger, as the virus progresses into your country though it is suggested that you follow government advice and stay away from any dead wild birds that may be around.
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