Monday 9 April 2012

Free Essays-Health-Awareness is One’s Best Protection


Awareness is One’s Best Protection
- Dr.Madhumitha Dobe
-Secretary General-Indian Public Health Association

Avian influenza is an infection caused by viruses. These viruses occur naturally by birds – particularly among migratory waterfowl and ducks. Often unaffected themselves, the host birds spread the infection to domesticated chicken and ducks – that can catch the virus adapted to waterfowl and have it rapidly mutate into a form that kills in days over 90% of the entire flock and spread to other flocks.

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt cages) or materials  (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with virus.    

 Due to significant species barrier, the virus does not easily cross over to humans. However, confirmed cases of human infection have been reported since 1997. Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct contact with sick or dead infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds. 

            During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.

            Often, flu viruses that cross from animals to humans originate in areas where people live in proximity to chickens and pigs. That is because pigs are susceptible to infection with both avian and human viruses and so are an ideal “mixing bowl” in which viruses can exchange genes. Dogs and cats are also susceptible.

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza – like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore-throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe life threatening complications.

           Infections of Humans by Avian Influenza Virus can also be prevented by awareness of the following:

            The greatest risk factor for bird flu seems to be contact with sick birds or with surfaces contaminated by their feathers, saliva or droppings.

            Young children seem especially vulnerable to the virus and are more likely to have contact with sick birds or to play on ground contaminated with droppings.

            The first line of defence against avian viruses is through destroying/culling sick or exposed birds – primarily chicken and ducks.

            Persons exposed to avian influenza infected or potentially infected poultry are recommended to follow good infection control practices including careful attention to hand hygiene i.e. hand washing and use of personal protective equipment like gloves and masks. Exposed persons should be carefully monitored for symptoms that develop during and in the week after exposure to infected poultry or to potentially avian influenza- contaminated environments.

            Influenza viruses can survive: Over 30 days at 0 degree C (32 degree F) (over one month at freezing temperature);  6 days at 37 degree C (98.6 degree F) (one week at human body temperature);  On hard non-porous surface such as plastic or stain less steel for 24-48 hours; On clothes, paper and tissues for 8-12 hours;  Ordinary levels of chlorine in tap water kill H5N1 in public water systems.

One question  often asked is: Can one get avian influenza from eating or preparing poultry or eggs?

            Currently there is no scientific evidence that people have been infected with bird flu by eating cooked poultry or eggs. Heat kills H5N1 virus so, even if poultry and eggs are contaminated with the virus proper cooking would kill it. 

            A few safety measures need to be remembered and adopted: 

·        Washing one’s hands: This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. Hands have to be washed with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry and eggs.

·        Cutting equipment and other utensils need to be cleaned with soap and hot water immediately after use to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.

·        It is advisable to procure live poultry only and to wash cut pieces in hot water. Poultry have to be cooked to 70 degree C (158 degree F) to kill the H5N1 virus.

·        Eggs must be washed well in water and cooked till whites and yolks are firm, hard boiled/fried.
·        Feathers, droppings etc. of dead/ killed chicken and ducks have to be collected using gloves and masks and they have to be burried under 3 feet.

            While addressing a problem like outbreak of bird flu we should keep in mind that only through community mobilization, efforts of the government and other agencies success can be attained. An informed community can cooperate with the initiative and measures taken in such direction. In containing the outbreak of bird flu, awareness generation among the people and their participation have a big role to play. Strong information base and awareness will certainly complement, supplement and support the government’s efforts and give them protection.

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