Fast Facts about Avian Influenza
- The first widespread avian influenza type-A outbreak happened in China in the year 2013.
- There were a total of 130 reported cases of avian influenza in China that year. With majority of them being men (68%).
- According to WHO there were a total of 856 cases of avian influenza reported worldwide during the years 2003 to 2016.
- Out of these cases, there were around 452 recorded deaths in the same time duration.
- The highest number of avian influenza cases was recorded in Egypt (356), with 119 deaths in total.
Avian influenza is more commonly known as bird flu in lay man terminology. The disease is infectious and common in birds. It is usually caused by influenza strain type-A. Often in birds, avian influenza brings a broad spectrum of symptoms that usually go unnoticed unless the condition becomes fatal and triggers and epidemic. The frequency of avian influenza outbreaks is higher in the eastern countries compared to the west.
Normally, avian influenza induced viruses do not infect humans. There however, have been instances where specific extremely pathogenic strains of the disease have caused diseases in humans. This usually happens when humans come in close contact or are exposed to infected birds or their droppings. The virus has the tendency to mutate and become easily transmissible between humans. It is contagious and in some cases even fatal if not treated on time.
Symptoms
The symptoms of avian influenza are quite similar to those experienced during normal flu conditions. However, it is important to keep in mind that avian influenza has several different strains and the symptoms for each may vary. Common tell-tale signs of the disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Malaise
- Runny nose
- And aching muscles
A number of people tend to mistake avian influenza for common cold and flu. While the symptoms and conditions are more or less the same, t is important to take the condition seriously. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms especially after being in close contact with birds, make sure you visit the doctor for proper medical care.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage Avian Influenza, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Avian Influenza and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Avian Influenza. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Avian Influenza:
Elderberry
Elderberry is an excellent immune support. It contains anthocyanidins – chemical compounds that provide a strong boost to the immune system and helps in warding off normal symptoms of cold and flu. Elderberry is also rich in flavanoids which have proved beneficial in inhibiting symptoms of avian influenza virus in humans.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another efficient anti-viral herb with potent immunity boosting properties that helps the body develop sturdy resistance against viral infections of all types. The herb demonstrated adequate efficacy in fighting off symptoms of avian influenza at pre-infection, simultaneous, and post-infection stages.
Turmeric Veggie Caps
For years, turmeric mixed in milk has been used as an effective remedy for cold in the South Asian countries. Turmeric has powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. It contains curcumin, a bioactive ingredient that has the medicinal properties to deactivate and prevent replication of all sorts of influenza.
Astragalus
Considered as one of the best natural remedies for avian influenza, astragulus contains polysaccharide that stimulates the generation of antibodies in the system, which inhibit various symptoms of avian influenza including: fatigue, diarrhea, and cold.
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful home remedy for avian influenza. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that eliminate the bacterial presence in the system and strengthens the immune system to ward off and resist the infectious viruses. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory and ideal for getting rid of avian influenza induced inflammation
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing Avian Influenza, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.