Avian Influenza : Causes, Symptoms and precautions

 

What is Avian Influenza?

My dear friends, 

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a type of influenza A virus that affects birds but can also be transmitted to humans. Here are some key facts about avian influenza--

Types of Avian Influenza

1. Low-pathogenic (LPAI)

 These viruses cause mild or no symptoms in birds but can still be transmitted to humans.

2. High-pathogenic (HPAI)

 These viruses cause severe disease in birds and can also be transmitted to humans, resulting in more severe symptoms.

Transmission to Humans

1. Direct contact

People can become infected through direct contact with infected birds, such as through handling live birds or touching contaminated surfaces.

2. Indirect contact

People can also become infected through indirect contact, such as through contaminated surfaces or air.

3. Airborne transmission

In rare cases, people can become infected through airborne transmission, such as when an infected bird coughs or sneezes, releasing the virus into the air.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, can cause a range of symptoms in birds and occasionally in humans. Here are the common symptoms of avian influenza in birds--

Birds

1* Sudden death with no apparent cause

2* Discoloration of skin or feathers

3* Difficulty standing or walking

4* Lameness or paralysis of limbs

5* Loss of appetite

6* Diarrhea or vomiting

7* Lack of energy or lethargy

8* High respiratory rate or labored breathing

9* Swollen joints or limbs

10* Soft or brittle bones

In severe cases, the bird may exhibit--

* Discoloration of wattles or combs (turkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, pheasants, waterfowl)

1* Conjunctivitis or eyelid swelling

2* Sneezing or gasping

3* In some birds, a greenish coloration of the stool

4* Abdominal symptoms such as distended gut or swollen abdomen

5* Death

Humans

In rare cases, avian influenza viruses can infect humans, primarily poultry workers, veterinarians, or people who work directly with birds. Humans usually contract the virus from the droppings, discharge, or feathers of an infected bird. Humans usually develop symptoms within 48 hours of exposure to an infected bird.

Here are the common symptoms of avian influenza in humans--

1* Fever (may reach 104°F (40°C))

2* Respiratory symptoms such as:

3 + Cough (similar to a common cold, but can be productive, producing mucus and respiratory secretions)

 4+ Shortness of breath (dyspnea) or difficulty breathing (if the infection progresses)

5* Muscle aches

6* Headache

7* Tiredness or lack of energy

8* Weakness

9* Diarrhea or abdominal pain

Pneumonia and lung collapse can occur in people severely infected with avian influenza. Some cases of pneumonia can be fatal in severely immunocompromised or elderly individuals.

The influenza viruses responsible for causing infection in humans can evolve through antigenic drift, so it is essential for travelers and individuals working closely with birds to receive advice about the risk of outbreaks associated with their specific trip to an affected area and discuss any preventive measures available in their area. Regular human influenza vaccination may be no protection against avian H5N1 but an H5N1 subunit vaccine has also produced some immune response as studies have shown. However they are still not sufficient with a good protective effectiveness even with two doses when first administered.

If an illness is suspected to be bird flu, immediate isolation (separation from contact humans) is necessary in countries with well-established animal laboratory and diagnostic capabilities that must be consulted to further specify the causative viruses such as avian paramyxo viruses or coronavirus especially if it has coevolved to a reassorted strain with H6 strains.

Risk Groups

1. Bird handlers

 People who work with birds, such as farmers, veterinarians, and poultry workers, are at higher risk.

2. Travelers

People who travel to areas where avian influenza outbreaks are occurring may be at higher risk.

3. Pregnant women and young children

 These individuals may be more susceptible to severe symptoms.

Prevention and Control Measures

1. Wash hands frequently

Regular hand washing with soap and water can help prevent transmission.

2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

 Wear masks, gloves, and gowns when handling birds or contaminated surfaces.

3. Avoid close contact

 Avoid close proximity to infected birds or people who are infected.

4. Get vaccinated

For people in high-risk groups, vaccination can provide some protection against avian influenza.

Outbreaks and Pandemics

1. 1817

The first reported avian influenza outbreak occurred in 1817 in Italy.

2. 1918

 A pandemic occurred in 1918, causing an estimated 50 million deaths worldwide.

3. 2003-2004

An H7N7 outbreak in the Netherlands caused a significant number of human cases.

4. 2005-2009

 An H5N1 outbreak in Asia caused several human cases and deaths.

Global Response

1. WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in monitoring and responding to avian influenza outbreaks.

2. National authorities

Governments and public health agencies collaborate to implement preventive measures and respond to outbreaks.

3. International partnerships

 Collaborations between countries and international organizations help to share information and coordinate responses to outbreaks.

Remember, while the risk of avian influenza transmission to humans is low, it is essential to prioritize preventive measures and take actions to reduce the risk of transmission.

What is the health benefits of Fenugreek

 

My dear friends ,Fenugreek is pungent, hot, aggravates the blood and bile, is bitter, digestive, anti-constipation, light, dry, nutritious, beneficial for the heart and cures fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, phlegm, cough, flatulence, worms and piles. Its seeds are hot, bitter, nutritious, anti-fever, anti-worm, increase appetite, cure Vata diseases and strengthen the heart. Vegetable is made from its leaves.

bleeding

To stop bleeding in piles and bloody diarrhea, boil some fenugreek seeds in water, make a decoction and filter it. Give this to the patient. Its use stops bleeding. It is beneficial for dysentery patients.

irritation and swelling

Grinding its leaves and applying it on the body, wounds, swelling and injury provides relief. Burning sensation and swelling go away. Drinking the juice of the leaves provides relief to the patient suffering from fever. Heat and burning sensation decreases.

Benefit enhancer

Fenugreek seeds are also a strength enhancer. In winters, roast fenugreek seeds in ghee and make laddus by adding khoya, gum, dry fruits and sugar etc. as per requirement. Eating one laddu every morning and evening with milk removes weakness. Even a vegetable made of only seeds is beneficial to remove weakness.

Cold and cough

Those who suffer from cold and cough should consume fenugreek vegetable with potato, spinach or gourd. Cold and cough are cured by relieving constipation.

digestive disorders

Those whose digestion is not good, should consume at least 15 kgs of water during winter season.

During the day, mix fenugreek and spinach vegetable and eat it with roti.

Patients suffering from polyuria should drink 200 ml of fenugreek leaves juice daily.

leanness

Fenugreek seeds, wheat flour, sugar and honey. Eating them together makes the body fat. Improves kidneys and clears the voice.

My dear friends, Fenugreek, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum or Haleb in Arabic, has been a staple in traditional medicine for thousands of years, particularly in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Arabic medicine. The seeds, leaves, and sprouts of the plant are used medicinally, offering several health benefits due to their rich nutritional, pharmacological, and biochemical properties. 

Some of the key health benefits of fenugreek include--

1. Blood Sugar Control

Fenugreek seeds have been found to help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals, making them a potential herbal remedy for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The fiber content and the chemical 4-hydroxyisoleucine found in the seeds may be responsible for this effect.

2. Enhancing Immune System

 Fenugreek contains galactomannan, a polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system, increasing production of antibodies or activating certain immune cells such as T cells and macrophages.

3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory

 The plant has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic and degenerative diseases like heart diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

4. Lactation Support

 Fenugreek is traditionally used in folk medicine to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers, making it easier for them to feed their babies. The chemical compounds in fenugreek may help lower the risk of milk production insufficiency and can increase milk flow.

5. Cardiovascular Health

 Fenugreek has been found to provide cardiovascular benefits, including lowering total cholesterol and LDL levels and acting as a cardioprotective agent. The herbotherapy may help in preventing heart attacks and stroke by reducing platelet aggregation.

6. Menopausal Symptoms

 Fenugreek has been suggested as a natural remedy for alleviating many symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. It may also help in reducing the risk of osteoporosis by enhancing bone density.

7. Improved Ketone Production

The fiber and chemical composition in fenugreek may lead to an increase in insulin sensitivity and, therefore, may assist in lowering blood sugar, aids in total cholesterol levels, which are beneficial for diabetes and cardiovascular control.

8. Antimicrobial and Anti-cancer Properties

Fenugreek exhibits activity against various strains of bacteria and viruses, including those that cause colds and colitis. It shown potential anti-cancer activity in experiments, though more research is needed to confirm its use in cancer treatment.

9. Anti-stress Agent

 Fenugreek has been found to reduce stress-induced anxiety and calcium loss. The seeds are rich in isoleucine amino acid, which may also have a role in weight gain, bone health, and helping realise blockages in the digestive system.

10. Digestive relief

It's also used for treatment of gout, diarrhea, and gastric problems due to its high fibre content, with physiochemical properties that aid digestion and relieve symptoms.

11. Cosmetic Uses

Fenugreek seeds are used in skincare products due to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. They are believed to be effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the skin tone, and alleviating burns.

Fenugreek should be consumed in the regulated dose, usually about 500-1000 mg of the seed powder per day, and appropriate adjuncts like anticancer treatments are studied with scientific trials to expand the health benefits spectrum and side effects assessment, ensuring consumption does not cause any adverse reactions due to its galactomanan content. The raw material of fenugreek seeds may be purchased in a buyer's healthcare or are chosen practically directly from someone made to your qualitative standard accordingly permitted DHHS area usually based but may exist & submit review discussing indict welcosomers equal touches view supervised provision instructors .