Health Articles : Infections : Bird Flu
Bird Flu Virus : Bird Flu Shots
Bird Flu PrecautionThe ongoing outbreak of avian influenza among the poultry is prevalent in several places throughout the four corners of the world. ..... Bird flu shot is a form of the bird flu vaccine that protects the body from the avian flu virus. However the bird flu shots are not able to protect humans against the bird flu. It is seen in general that the virus, H5N1 causes bird flu or the avian influenza. But the human flu viruses that are present in the shots are H1N1, H3N2 and the B flu viruses. Currently a lot of tests are done by various research and development organizations to include the H5N1 virus in the flu shot. This may lead to the development of new vaccine that may prevent the virus from entering the human body. Such a bird flu vaccine is not commercially available yet but there are probable chances of having them in the recent future.
Generally any one who wants to reduce the chances of having an avian influenza may get the shots. But for certain peoples who live with and care for those who are at high risk of having complications, it is advised that they should get vaccinated each year. Those who are 50 years of age and above may also get a dose of the shots each year. People s who are suffering from chronic heart and lung conditions or asthma are prescribed to get the shot each year as they have increased chances of getting the flu virus which is airborne.
Although the ability of the vaccine to protect the person who is getting the vaccine depends upon the age and the health condition of the person, it has been observed that the flu shot to some extent are effective in the prevention. In some cases it is seen that the shots may cause minor side effects. This is because the shots contain inactivated or killed viruses. One may see swelling along with redness and soreness in the region or part of the body where the shot was given. Sometimes it may also result in mild fevers and body aches. However experts suggest that these problems occur soon after the shot is applied and lasts up to 2 or 3 days. As of reports till date almost all the people who have received bird flu vaccination have not complained of any serious problems from the shot itself. But in some rare cases flu vaccination may cause serious problems like severe allergic reactions.
Bird Flu MortalityBird influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. The disease takes place worldwide. While all .....
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