How Bird Flu Kills

by: Michael Colucci

The bird flu virus is supposed to be really affecting the birds only. However, because of the nature of flu viruses that can be able to mutate and transfer from one species to the other. The bird flu virus that has been killing birds has now been affecting humans as well.

The good news is that bird flu virus has only killed few humans as of the moment. That’s why health officials are working overtime to prevent bird flu from becoming an outbreak. How the virus works on humans is still a complete wonder. There are still more and more studies undertaken to fully understand this virus.

What is known however is that there are 15 types of avian flu virus that affects birds. That’s why birds also have running noses as well, only theirs is a running beak (corny). The current outbreak of bird flu is caused by the H5N1 strain. This strain is very contagious and can cause rapid fatalities. This strain, unlike the others, can be transmitted to humans, which makes it deadlier.

Remember the SARS scare we experienced years back? Compared to Bird Flu, SARS is just an ordinary cold. Their symptoms are similar but the virus that causes them is completely different. SARS is also less contagious because the person infected can just be isolated.

There could be low pathogenic virus or high pathogenic virus that can affect birds. The low pathogenic virus can affect birds in minor ways only. Ruffled feathers and reduced egg production are some. Highly pathogenic virus cause severe diseases such as respiratory diseases. In domestic birds, when the symptoms appear, they die the same day.

Other symptoms of the bird flu on birds are: loss of appetite, nervousness like chicken little, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, and depression. Yes, birds do get depressed and they might end up being suicidal, drinking your Prozac.

Just as in the birds, the highly pathogenic forms are the ones that greatly affect the humans as well. These highly pathogenic forms are what cause deaths in humans as well.

The incubation period of the bird flu on humans is still not yet known clearly. The ill effects might develop one to five days from exposure to the virus.

Sometimes, the only indication that a person has been infected is an eye infection or conjunctivitis. However, having conjunctivitis, you might only think that it’s ordinary sore eyes.

Then other symptoms that are common to flu are also developed. That’s why it really is hard to know that the person has been affected by the virus. Other symptoms include, cough, fever, and sore throat.

It will then develop to life threatening complications that include viral pneumonia, and respiratory failure and distress.

That’s why health officials and scientist are scrambling for ways to just make ways to prevent outbreaks. Because they would not want a person to have misconceptions that he or she only has ordinary flu, but is the already life-threatening bird flu.

About The Author

Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.

Bird Flu: H5N1 Influenza Status Briefing Natural Protection

by: James Zeller

The Bird Flu has a defined area of infection and has found a host that has kept it alive for millenniums. Pigs are in the mutation chain as the virus transitions to people. The next bird flu step could be an overnite pandemic or a wimpering gasp of disappearance.

The virus H5N1, has a few similarities with the Spanish flu of 1918 that resulted in one of the largest pandemics in the last 200 years. Both of these contagious outbreaks cause high fever, lower respiratory tract failure symptoms, prostration, myalgias, and a postviral weakness that could last up to 6 weeks.

Twenty-four hour access channels have warned of a coming pandemic that may arrive in the form of H5N1 avian influenza, more commonly referred to as ‘bird flu’. The market for poultry products has decreased internationally because of a lack of consumer confidence in a safe supply.

In Eastern Asian countries entire flocks of chickens have been destroyed because of an outbreak that easily spreads from bird to bird, infecting the entire flock.

Proactive Steps

Current laboratory research currently indicates existing flu prescriptions should be an active and readily available treatment should the ‘bird flu’ H5N1 make its presence felt. While this is good news, there is a second wave effect that has historically been seen in such a widespread influenza outbreak. The second wave may occur when the flu strain alters just enough to render existing medications ineffective.

Knowledge is a primary key in the battle of any communicable disease. Understanding symptoms can provide both peace of mind as well as the information you need to know should a doctor’s visit be required.

Defining Bird Flu

Like the more common flu strains, ‘bird flu’ may include fever, sore throat, muscle aches and eye infections. However, ‘bird flu’ may also include pronounced lethargy, acute breathing difficulties and chest pain. In more extreme cases pneumonia may make an appearance as well as potential organ failure.

This virulent strain of flu virus has, to date, been spread primarily through poultry and water fowl. The limited human fatalities that have been reported have all been a result of close interaction with infected birds.

The incubation period for humans who do contract ‘bird flu’ may be as few as two days or as many as 17.

Industry Protection

Chicken farmers are taking radical steps to keep their investment safe. Disinfectant sprays are beginning to be applied and sterile clothing is becoming common when entering poultry facilities. Symptoms that include bird inactivity and decreased egg production are routinely reviewed and monitored.

What If?

Members of the World Health Organization have worked to develop a plan that could be implemented on a global scale to address both current issues as well as those that may be forthcoming in the event of a ‘bird flu’ pandemic. Steps are currently being taken to address the issues surrounding ‘bird flu’ and partner countries are gaining assistance from the findings of the World Health Organization.

Flu Shot

It is unclear if the annual flu shot will assist in the reduction of ‘bird flu’ cases should a pandemic occur. However, there is evidence to suggest they it may in fact do so.

It may be that ‘bird flu’ will never reach epidemic proportions, but knowing what it is and what it is capable of doing is a help in preparing for a flu strain that could join the ranks of some of the world’s greatest viral killers.

The best prevention of the bird flu is a strong immune system. Exercise the body and the lungs. Look for a natural antiviral supplement. While modern scientist search for a vaccine, we have natural remedies that we can employ. Colloidal silver is known to kill bacteria and virus.

About The Author

James Zeller writes for numerous alternative health websites and blogs. Unbiased evaluation of health and diet supplements are included in most of his articles. Natural products are always best for the body and usually chosen as a last resort. http://www.n-ergetics.com.

Has the Bird Flu Virus Outbreak Begun?

by: Michael Colucci

The bird flu virus has been scaring the wits out of health officials for the past couple of years. The first H5N1 strain developed way back during 1997 at Hong Kong. The first development wasn’t given much of a concern.

Eventually the virus popped back out during 2003. It has first greatly affected a whole number of birds. The birds that became infected died really fast after showing signs of symptoms. The virus also spread quickly towards other flocks as well, causing them to die to.

The people who have had lots of exposure with this infected domesticated birds, naturally became the first human casualties. In fact, the infected have reached 140 in five years time in the Far eats. Eventually killing more than 50 people infected.

What is scaring the scientists now are the recent developments of the bird flu in Turkey. They fear that the virus may have already mutated and the transmission from one human to the other has now been possible. This is because in the span of a week, 15 people were reported to be infected already.

That development definitely scared the officials in Europe. It should also be causing major concern to other countries as well. Neighboring countries are becoming stricter on trucks that are coming from Turkey. The vehicles that pass by are being sprayed with disinfectant.

France has already released a budget to buy vaccines, antiviral and face masks.

However all these preparation being done may still not be that be helpful. The best way to prevent the pandemic from happening is to learn how to isolate the infected area. This is important because the virus may still escape via a human transport or a bird that may cause more contamination.

To calm people down, the number of 15 within a week is not much for concern. If the number reaches more than a 100, it shall be a cause for concern.

There are also many critics about the current medication available to help against bird flu. They say that the medication may not really be helpful and stockpiling it is just a waste of money.

The vaccine as of now may still be imperfect, but it does help a person a better chance to get through with the flu.

As of the moment, since we have no idea if this virus could become the next pandemic or just a big bust. What’s important is that we try to live a healthier lifestyle. Maybe that’s what this virus is all about anyway. It’s just telling us that maybe we should change our lifestyle into a healthier one.

About The Author

Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.

Bird Flu Vaccines: What is Taking So Long?

by: Michael Colucci

With the current development of a vaccine for the H5N1 strain of the Bird Flu Virus still 2 to 3 years away. We don’t have much of a choice but to really be very cautious that the H5N1 strain does not mutate with a human flu virus.

If the outbreak we fear does happen without the vaccines ready yet, all we can possibly do is just quarantine the geographical area where the virus is rampant. Give them the vaccines that have been developed and prevent them from spreading it further. This will only work if the outbreak is limited geographically. When the outbreak does happen to 10,000 places, we’re in Big S*%T.

The development of a vaccine is so slow because we still use methods dating back 50 years ago. Ironically this is because they still use chicken eggs to develop the vaccines. New methods are on the horizon, instead of using chicken eggs, they may be able to use mammal cells.

Scientist would be storing the mammal cells in large numbers. So that when a flu strain or threat develops, they can just inject it to the cells. The injected cells will then burst and die. The scientist will then harvest the proteins of the influenza and distribute them as vaccines already.

Vaccines made from DNA are really appealing because they could be made and administered quickly. However this kind of vaccine is still being tested on humans. DNA vaccine works by attaching itself to a segment of our DNA. It contains the coded information of the flu virus’ protein.

About The Author

Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.

How Bird Flu Respirator's Should Be Used

by: Michael Colucci

There are two kinds of bird flu wear protection that a person who will come into contact with infected poultry or just poultry or an infected person. The person should consider wearing either a bird flu respirator or a bird flu mask.

A bird flu masks only helps prevent particles or droplets to be discharged in the environment the wearer is in. The mask is not generally used to filter efficiently or to seal the face tightly. A bird flu respirator is what is considered helpful in reducing the wearer’s chances of exposure to airborne particles such as bird flu. A bird flu mask is often confused like a bird flu respirator because both look alike.

The bird flu mask or respirator should be used by people who think they will come in contact with persons or birds infected with the H5N1 strain. The people who use this should just consider it to be one way of being hygienic way of prevention.

A patient who thinks he or she has been feeling symptoms and knows has been in contact with infected birds should wear a bird flu mask as well. People who often travel a lot, especially to those infected places should also consider bringing a bird flu respirator.

If a bird flu respirator is not present, the bird flu mask will have to do. The mask or the respirator should also be fitted in properly to make it work. However, wearing the mask is still not a guaranteed way you won’t contact the viral disease.

The only time a person working closely with infected birds or persons or just birds is when they are away from the contaminated or possible contaminated area. Then after removing the equipment, remember to thoroughly wash your hands. Then dispose the equipment immediately after going on a safer area. The effectiveness of the respirator last only for 8 hours.

When buying the bird flu mask or respirator, it always has directions or instructions how to properly use it. Always remember when transporting the equipment to protect it from any kind of damage.

The bird flu respirator should be sealing the face very tightly. If the breathing becomes difficult, the respirator might have been damaged. If it is, go to a safe place and change the respirator.

The right way to wear it to know how effective it is, is to fit it snuggly in the face, the metal strip should be atop and the colored part outside. The mask should be firmly placed by positioning the strings right. The metallic strip should be molded at the nose’s bridge.

A bird flu mask or respirator is only a part to help prevent the further damaging of implications of bird flu. It is not a sure fire way to prevent the outbreak, but it is a way to reduce the potential damage.

About The Author

Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.

Bird Flu – Waiting In The Wings

by: Andrew Taylor

Avian influenza is spreading at an alarming rate and if it continues its flight soon it would turn into another pandemic.

Starting in the mid-2003 in South-East Asia, the pathogenic avian flu is the largest and most severe form bird flu going by the number of countries it has affected. The H5N1 virus that typically affects the bird populace has proved lethal. So far it has caused the death or destruction of an estimated 150 million birds in countries like Vietnam, Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Indonesia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Turkey, Romania and Malaysia. There are unconfirmed reports of bird flu from India and France also.

The H5N1 virus is also of serious concern for human health. It has been found to be highly contagious form of virus and can easily transmit to humans through the contact of excretal or nasal secretions from infected birds. If not detected and treated early, the bird flu can prove fatal. And if precautionary measures are not taken at the earliest, it could change into a form that is highly infectious and could easily spread from person to person. Such a change could mark the start of flu pandemic. Already, a number of countries have reported confirmed human cases and even deaths due to avian influenza and this number is constantly on the rise.

Bird Flu Prevention

‘Prevention is the best cure’ goes the famous adage. The precautionary measures initiated in anticipation go a long way in curbing aggravation.

Firstly, the poultry farm owners must send random samples of their birds for thorough examination to the nearest veterinary/avian lab. All the infected birds must be immediately culled and the others properly vaccinated. The workers at the poultry farms must cover themselves properly so as to avoid a direct contact with the infected secretions from birds.

It is perfectly safe to eat poultry products provided the food is thoroughly and properly cooked. It is believed that the avian influenza virus cannot survive temperatures above 700 C. Juices from raw poultry and poultry products should not be allowed during food preparation to touch or mix with items eaten raw. One must wash his hands properly with soap and hot water after coming in contact with the poultry products.

Bird Flu Treatment

Though vaccines are available to counter seasonal influenza but no such shot has been developed till date against the H5N1 virus.

Only two drugs are found to be effective against the deadly avian flu – Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir). These drugs are effective only if taken within 48 hours of occurrence of first symptoms. The inhibitive factors regarding bird flu treatment seem to be the prohibitive costs and the limited production of these drugs.

For convenience, the patients can buy Tamiflu online only after proper diagnosis and prescription for the drug.

The bird flu is certainly a potential pandemic threat and must be addressed globally on humanitarian basis.

About The Author

Andrew Taylor is an associated editor to the website http://www.checkflu.com, a Roche Tamiflu Online site, is committed to provide visitors with complete information on Roche Tamiflu, Treatment of Influenza, Tamiflu, Influenza, Avian Influenza, H5N1 Virus, Human Transmission, Bird Flu, Mutating Virus, Neuraminidase Inhibitors, Oseltamivir Phosphate, Treatment of Flu, Types of Influenza virus and other related topics. Your feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at andrewtlr@gmail.com.

Bird Flu in America

by: Patsy Hamilton

The only cases of bird flu in America, thus far, have been caused by a different strain of flu virus than the one that is currently sweeping through Asia, Africa and eastern Europe killing thousands of wild and domesticated birds. Wild birds carry a number of these flu viruses, but it is only one strain, H5N1, that has governments throughout the world concerned, both because of the risk to the poultry industry and because H5N1 has caused the deaths of 140 people to date. Countries throughout the world are making efforts to inform the public about safety practices that can lead to bird flu prevention.

Scientists expect to eventually see the H5N1 bird flu in America, but it might not show up. The concern is that migratory birds from Asia could pass the H5N1 strain to migratory birds from the Americas when they both gather in Alaska. So, H5N1 bird flu prevention at this point is focused on Alaska. Scientists believe that if they can identify H5N1 bird flu in America when it first appears, then they can contain it, before it becomes a problem to the poultry industries in the Americas.

The U.S. Geologic Survey and the Department of Agriculture have joined together in a H5N1 bird flu prevention effort that includes testing feces and feather samples from about 150,000 wild birds, mostly waterfowl. Scientists believe that if they find H5N1 bird flu in America, it will most likely show up in the waterfowl first. Unlike domesticated poultry, wild birds can carry the H5N1 bird flu in America and elsewhere in the world without dying. In areas of the world where wild birds mingle freely with domesticated birds they can infect their water supply or pass the virus to them through feces and other secretions, but USDA regulations in America as well as poultry industry standards decrease the likelihood that H5N1 bird flu in America, specifically the United States, will become a problem.

Large poultry farmers in the U.S. are now and always have been concerned about bird flu prevention, no matter what the strain. They take precautions to protect their birds, because their birds are their livelihood. Enclosures are designed to keep their birds in and wild birds out. Workers wear protective suits, boots and head coverings for bird flu prevention and to prevent other diseases from contaminating the poultry.

While there have been some cases of some strains of bird flu in America that have resulted in the destruction of several flocks of chickens in Texas and Virginia, there has only been one case of bird flu in America that affected a human. He was a USDA official and it was a weaker strain of the virus.

While no bird flu prevention efforts can negate the possibility of any bird flu in America, farmers, scientists and government agencies throughout the world are making efforts to identify and contain outbreaks quickly. If you are concerned about bird flu prevention for you and your family, take the same precautions that you would always take to protect yours and your family's health. Cook meat thoroughly. Wash hands, cooking utensils, counter tops or cutting boards that have touched raw meat thoroughly. Eat right, get plenty of rest, take your vitamins and make efforts to maintain a healthy immune system. In this way, when and if cases of H5N1 bird flu in America are reported, you and your family should be safe. For more information about bird flu or about how to protect your immune system, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

About The Author

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more about boosting your immune system at http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Bird Flu Preparation

by: Patsy Hamilton

Bird flu preparation in the United States has become a joint effort of the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You may be familiar with the USDA stamp of approval on fresh meats that you currently buy at the supermarket, but this is not their only function. They routinely inspect poultry farms and test domesticated poultry for infection.

At this time, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is no need for anyone in the United States to wear a “bird flu mask”. But, of course, there are companies that are capitalizing on American fears arising from the deaths in small villages and towns throughout Asia and the Middle East. Some companies will sell you a bird flu mask, while others sell a bird flu preparation kit.

Is a bird flu mask or a bird flu preparation kit actually necessary for the average person living in the United States at this time or anytime in the near future? No, because the strain of bird flu that has killed people does not exist in the United States. Other strains of bird flu have been found in poultry in the U.S., but only one case involved a human and he was a USDA employee doing his job, inspecting poultry farms and taking samples when he contracted a weak bird flu virus. Most USDA employees wear protective clothing. He may have even been wearing a bird flu mask.

The U.S. government's bird flu preparation involving the USDA and the USGS includes testing wild migratory birds in Alaska and elsewhere for a specific virus, H5N1. While collecting these samples, employees may want to wear a bird flu mask, but they know that the virus does not transfer easily from birds to humans. Wild birds are mostly unaffected by the virus. Chickens and other domesticated poultry are another story. This virus kills poultry and it is for this reason that most bird flu preparation efforts are focused on protecting poultry farmers from the financial devastation that losing thousands of chickens, turkeys or other birds could cause.

Most large poultry farmers in the United States keep their birds in large buildings that keep the wild birds out and the domesticated birds in. This is not a new effort at bird flu preparation, but a standard that has been in effect for many years. While farm workers wear protective suits, boots and head coverings, it is unclear whether they wear a bird flu mask.

Scientists expect that if the H5N1 strain arrives in the Americas through migratory birds, they will be able to control it for the most part. There may be some losses of free roaming flocks. There may be farm workers who get sick from the strain and there could be deaths in the United States, but the general public is not at risk, does not need to wear a bird flu mask and does not need a bird flu preparation kit. Practicing good health habits and common sense, taking a daily multi-vitamin and maybe an immune system booster are the only things that a person who lives in the United States, is in reasonably good health and does not work on a chicken farm need do for bird flu preparation. For more information about colds and flus or immune system boosters visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

About The Author

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more at http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

United States Versus Bird Flu

by: Velicu George

Avian influenza, or bird flu as it is most commonly known, is a viral disease that has been ravishing Asia, as well as other countries, for more than two years now. Some choose to ignore the threat, but most health experts agree what we see now in the Eastern Hemisphere could be witnessed soon all across the world. Since the first outbreaks of bird flu recorded in late 2003, there have been more than 140 deaths world wide and entire poultry populations decimated. Some estimates claim a flu pandemic (world wide epidemic) could infect hundreds of millions and cause major social disruption.

With these worries in mind, the United States have closely followed the situation and with general fears that the disease could spread to their territory as well, federal and local authorities have been handed over a plan to prevent and be ready to deal with a possible avian influenza outbreak in the country. It is not clear if and when this will happen, but one can look to previous experiences and other events for clues as to how serious the threat really is for the American country.

Recent violent outbreaks in places such as Indonesia, which is now the world's most heavily hit country, counting 47 human victims, are now followed by discoveries of low pathogenic bird flu viruses in some spots in U.S. The first one to raise fears was the case of two wild swans living on a lake in the state of Michigan. Routine tests found traces of a mild form of bird flu virus on the birds. The announcement was made by a White House spokesman, with details being given afterwards by officials from the Agriculture and Interior Departments. While the news was given high importance, experts claim there is no reason for concern, as the virus in question is in no way related to the Asian form and is no threat to humans. More recently, wild mallard ducks from Queen Anne's County, Maryland, were found to carry the same pathogenic agent. The same reassurances were given by U.S. officials and although some people see this as a preview for possible bird flu outbreaks, health experts say mild and low pathogenic strains of avian influenza such as this one are common in the United States, as well as other countries. Since 1975, the low pathogenic strain of the H5N1 virus (the highly pathogenic form of which is causing high mortality in Asia) has been found on six other occasions on U.S. soil.

However, claims from other researchers warn that a more aggressive form of the disease could come to the American continent as early as this fall. Indeed, summer is a rather quiet period for the virus and the large number of cases in Asia during this time is due to the virus residing there for a long period of time. Come fall, large populations of wild fowl will cover thousands of miles on regular migratory paths. These birds are the natural carriers of the virus and are also quite resistant to it. Thus, they can carry the disease for great distances, without falling ill or succumbing to the disease and showing any signs of an infection. One particular reason for concern is the Alaskan territory. Its vicinity to the Asian continent makes it one of the possible points of entry for the disease. It is also a meeting place for water fowl, as wild birds from both Asia and America choose it as a feeding and nesting environment during the summer months. U.S. authorities have implemented a plan for the summer of 2006 which included the testing of more than 15,000 birds from 27 species in the region.

The program was extended to a nationwide level as you can read on www.bird-flu-center.com, as surveillance and constant testing is seen as an effective method of preparing for a possible outbreak of the disease. Biologists are set to test tens of thousands of birds. Locally, individual counties have also prepared pandemic plans and are carrying out drills for a worst case scenario. Hospitals are setting up special units for avian influenza patients, while schools and university campuses are also preparing. In the case of a pandemic, social disruption might force such institutions to close down, as they would be a suitable environment for the virus to spread. Another prevention measure used is banning poultry and poultry products imports from countries where avian flu has been found.

Although it is widely believed that some form of bird flu epidemic will eventually occur, there are those that play down the warnings. However, countries around the world choose to play the safety card and take prevention measures. Grim estimates say that if a pandemic occurs, it will kill 1.7 million Americans in the first year alone, as a vaccine takes months to produce after the start of an epidemic. On the other hand, we can still hope the disease will be contained and dealt with before before such an outcome is reached. It is, in the end, just a matter of wait and see.

About The Author

George Velicu is the senior editor at http://www.bird-flu-center.com and the man responsible for making the website one of the most comprehensive sources for avian influenza information on the Internet. He is also the one keeping a daily record of bird flu's developments.

Avoid And Beat The Avian And Other Influenzas

by: Tony Isaacs

Are you worried about the possible outbreak of the Avian Flu among humans? You should be! Hopefully, all of publicity about the Bird Flu will prove to be false alarms, but the worst thing any of us could do is to ignore it and hope it goes away, because it may not and one shudders to think about what could happen if it ever mutates to where it can be spread from human to human. Let's take a look at what we know so far about the Avian Flu:

First of all, the Avian Flu has not yet mutated and there is no need for panic, but there certainly is plenty of reasons for concern and a need to be vigilant, because the flu could easily mutate to one that is spread by humans - and it is the very nature of viruses to mutate. We should also be mindful of the fact that the world is due for another outbreak of a widespread and dangerous influenza epidemic of the kind that appear to occur on a regular basis about every 30 years.

If the Avian Flu does mutate to a human flu and is even partially as deadly as some predict, the resulting worldwide pandemic could be an epic modern day plague that changes the world as we know it and makes HIV, 9/11, the great Tsunami and the destruction of New Orleans seem mild by comparison - and there would likely be very little the world can do to prevent it. We can only hope that the next big worldwide influenza outbreak does not involve the current Avian Flu, or any other avian flu, because such flu would be a type that humans have not been exposed to and thus have no built in resistance to. Owing to this lack of built in resistance, such an outbreak involving that kind of flu could prove to be uniquely horrific.

In a normal outbreak of influenza, the most vulnerable are usually the elderly, the very young, and those who are already ill or otherwise in a weakened state - in other words, those whose immune systems are not strong enough to successfully ward off and fight illness. While a human version of the Avian Flu is likely to be every bit as deadly or more so for those who are the usual flu victims, unlike the usual varieties of influenza, the Avian Flu would actually be even more deadly for the group that is usually least affected by flu outbreaks: the most robust and healthy among us, the adults in the prime of life. That is because an avian flu like the Avian Flu turns the body's own immune system against itself and a strong immune system can become a deadly instrument of death as it over-reacts to a threat it has never been exposed to and releases a torrent of chemicals to combat the new threat which end up literally filling and eating up the lungs, suffocating what had been a strong and vigorous individual.

Such was exactly the case in a previous outbreak of another avian flu, one very similar to the Avian Flu. The Spanish Flu of 1918-19 was the most deadly epidemic in recorded history, killing 30 to 40 million or more people in one year – more than were killed in any war including Great World War, more than were killed in the 4 terrifying years of the Plague of Black Death (the Bubonic Plague) of 1347-1351, and more than were killed by HIV-AIDS in it’s first 25 years of existence. In the United States it infected 28% of all Americans, caused the deaths of at least 675,000 and in a single year was responsible for a 10 year drop in the life expectancy rate. In 1918, the death rate for influenza and pneumonia for 15 to 35 year olds was 20 times higher than in previous years.

Many authorities fear that if the modern day Avian Flu mutates to one that can be spread by humans, it could be an even more deadly flu than the one in 1918-19. Indeed, where humans have been exposed to infected birds and contracted the Avian Flu so far, the death rate appears to be significantly higher than it was for the deadly Spanish Flu.

The picture becomes truly staggering when you add to the expected high death rate the fact that the world population is now 2 1/2 times greater than it was in 1918-19 and not only is the population much larger, it is also much more concentrated with much more human interaction. And then you have the fact that, unlike the horse and buggy days of 1918-19, modern travel brings humans almost instantly to and from all points of the globe.

In all likelihood, only an immediate worldwide quarantine and shutdown of all travel would have a chance at stopping the spread of a worldwide pandemic, and that is something that is both unachievable and, at this point, unthinkable (although if the pandemic were to turn out to be as dire as some predict, such measures would probably be attempted out of desperation, but would surely prove far too late to stop the spread of the disease). Given the woeful response to the destruction of New Orleans, and the shortage of flu shots caused by the loss of a single facility only last year, perhaps one can more easily understand the estimates of many authorities and scientific figures that forecast staggering death tolls, some as high as 300 million or more worldwide.

The world has largely forgotten the horrible death tolls of the Spanish Flu, as well as the plague-like conditions that led to quarantines, death wagons, corpses lying abandoned in public streets, and breakdowns of social order and lawlessness that broke out in many places around the world. For those of us who would like a reminder, I suggest a trip to an old cemetery and take a look at the tombstones and grave markers for the years 1918-19, see how many there are compared to other years and how many times you will find multiple deaths in the same family for those years. It was a horrible time, now largely forgotten and to a great deal overshadowed by the end of World War I, but it is a lesson for us all if only we will open our eyes and see.

Perhaps the nightmare scenario I have painted is merely the stuff of dreams, and I certainly hope that proves to be the case. But I strongly suggest that we all take steps to prepare for the worst, just in case. Better that than be like the old fellow on the side of Mount Saint Helens who ignored all the warning signs, disbelieved all the scientists and scoffed at the idea of a deadly eruption right up to the point that he was incinerated.

While there may be little the world's governments may be able to do to stop the spread of a truly horrible influenza pandemic, there are things that we all can do to help avoid catching such a flu and to fight it off if we do catch it. Common sense tells us to practice very good hygiene and to avoid exposure to those who are infected. If a vaccine is available, it is probably a better idea to take it than not - even though vaccines are likely to be in short supply, will likely be mere guesswork since the virus has yet to mutate to a form that can be spread by humans and is likely to continue to mutate once it does, and is likely to contain mercury due to the probable use of an agent called thimerosal that is used to sterilize flu vaccines.

Beyond those obvious measures, I have also compiled the following information for anyone who wishes to avoid and combat influenza:

Avoiding the Flu:

The good news is that you can take steps to help you avoid the Bird Flu or any other flu when it comes, and to survive it if you happen to catch it. Included in these steps would be the things that you should do to protect yourself from virtually all diseases and illnesses: get plenty of rest, exercise, quit smoking, eat a nutritious diet, avoid stress and, above all, to make your body's natural first line of defense, your immune system, strong and robust.

Some of the very best immune boosters are:

* Echinacea (Despite the latest study)
* Pau d’arco
* Suma
* Astragalus
* Medicinal mushrooms
* Beta glucans
* Aloe vera
* Alkygycerol
* Lactoferrin
* Bovine colostrums
* Glutathione
* Mangosteen

The next thing you should do is to also take one or more good natural anti-viral agents, ESPECIALLY if the Bird Flu does mutate and begin to spread from human to human, because unlike other illnesses or flues, the Bird Flu will use your own immune system to attack you. This is because we have never been exposed to a strain of flu like the Bird Flu and it is likely that biochemical cascade of immune cells and immune system bio-chemicals such as interferon, interleukin, monokines and cytokines will literally pour into the lungs and eat your lungs up. With the Bird Flu, it is essential to also include good natural anti-viral supplements along with immune boosters - and it is a good idea to do that anyway.

Among the very best natural pathogen destroyers are:

* Garlic
* Olive leaf extract
* Oil of wild mountain oregano
* Grapefruit seed extract
* Colloidal Silver

A third thing to do would be to take regular preventative doses of a natural remedy known as “Oleander Soup”, which can be made at home according to the instructions in the e-book “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” (written by the author of this article).

Oleander extract has been proven in clinical trials, decades of medical practice and literally centuries of use as a folk remedy to be a very strong immune booster and disease and illness preventer. It has also demonstrated strong anti-viral abilities in the way that it attacks and kills cancer cells, as well as it’s effectiveness against hepatitis-C and HIV.

The fourth thing you should do is endeavor to stop the spread of airborne viruses during the flu season:

* Protect yourself from others by gargling daily with 1 drop each of the essential oils of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lemon in a glass of warm water; stir well before each mouthful. Do not swallow.

* Mix a blend of essential oils to use in your diffuser or for use in steam inhalation.

Blend together:

* ravensare - 3 parts
* naiouli or eucalyptus - 1 part
* lemon - 1 part
* rosewood - 1 part
* lavender - 1 part

Ravensare and naiouli have antiviral properties, while the other essential oils in the blend act as antiseptics while at the same time providing a wonderful aroma.

Diffuser Application - Add about 50 drops of the above blend to your diffuser at a time.

Fumigate the house with oils to help prevent the spread of flu. Put 2-3 drops on a radiator to evaporate or add 10 drops of essential oils to a small plant spray filled with water. Spray the room frequently.

Hopefully, no serious flu outbreak will take place in your neighborhood, but forearmed is forewarned. Take the simple measures outlined above and your chances of beating the flu and perhaps avoiding it all together are much improved.

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

About The Author

Tony Isaacs is a natural health researcher and author of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" (http://www.rose-laurel.com). He manages "The Best Years in Life" website (http://www.tbyil.com) and is a featured author for Utopia Silver (http://tinyurl.com/2ynqk)