Avian influenza is flu infection in birds. The disease is of concern to humans, who have no immunity against it. The virus that causes this infection in birds can change (mutate) to infect humans. Such mutation could start a deadly worldwide epidemic.
Historically, avian influenza viruses infected pigs and mixed with pig influenza viruses. The viruses exchanged genetic information, which led to the formation of a new virus. This new virus could then infect humans and easily spread from person to person. Previous worldwide flu epidemics (pandemics) have started this way.
The first avian influenza virus to infect humans directly occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, during an avian flu epidemic on the island. This outbreak was linked to chickens and classified as avian influenza A (H5N1).
Since the Hong Kong outbreak, the bird flu virus has spread across Asia. In October 2005 it was discovered in poultry in Turkey and Romania.
The wider the area over which the avian flu virus spreads, the greater the chances of a worldwide outbreak. There is tremendous concern that H5N1 poses an enormous pandemic threat.
Farmers and other people working with poultry, as well as travelers visiting affected countries, have a higher risk for getting the bird flu.
Viral pneumonia (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Viral pneumonia is an inflammation(irritation and swelling) of the lungs caused by infection with a virus.Reviewer: Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 09/24/2008
The flu (3 images)
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The flu is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.In temperate climates, influenza A usually arrives between early winter and early spring. Influenza B can appear at any time of the year.The most common...Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/06/2009
Pneumonia (6 images)
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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many different organisms can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the United States.Bacterial pneumonias tend to be the ...Reviewer: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP, Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/14/2008
Traveler's guide to avoiding infectious diseases (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
You may need a series of pre-travel vaccinations. Some vaccines need time to become effective.Depending on the destination, updating or"boosting" routine vaccinations is sometimes recommended. Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, DIvision of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/05/2009
Influenza vaccine (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
This vaccine protects people against the flu.Vaccine- influenza; Immunization- influenza; Flu shot; Flu vaccine.The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus. In the U.S., flu outbreaks typically occur in winter mo...Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (6/18/2008).Date: 08/05/2008
Colds and flus - antibiotics(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Antibiotics will fight bacterial infections, but do not treat viral infections like colds and the flu. So unless you have a bacterial infection, do NOT take antibiotics. Reviewer: Rachel A Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/24/2008
Flu and holidays(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Why is the flu more common during the winter holiday season?The combination of being indoors more frequently, being exposed to more people at social occasions, and being under increased stress during the winter holidays can explain the higher inci...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 02/19/2009
Respiratory (3 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
The words "respiratory" and "respiration" refer to the lungs and breathing. Related topics:ApneaDyspneaLung diseaseLung scanRapid breathingLung resectionPneumothoraxRespiration. Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/20/2008
Sore throat (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.Sore throats are common. Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 12/01/2008
Cough (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder.Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. Reviewer: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP, Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/12/2007).Date: 01/18/2008
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