H5N1

Many people are curious to learn more information of the H5N1 virus, which is more commonly known as the bird flu. The H5N1 virus is called the bird flu because it is a common virus which often times causes death in birds. In certain areas of the world, humans have contracted the H5N1 virus through ingesting poultry which has been infected by the H5N1 virus. The H5N1 virus is a concern to humans due to the fact that humans to not have any immunity against the virus. It is a concern that the H5N1 virus will mutate and therefor be able to spread from human to human. As of current health officials are working towards vaccines which will prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus from spreading between humans. The symptoms of the H5N1 virus are very similar to those of the common flu, and there is no distinct symptom which serves at a tell tale sign of H5N1 virus, so usually the only way to serve a proper diagnosis is through tests which are sent to a lab. If the tests come back positive for the H5N1  virus, depending on the severity of the illness, the infected persons may be prescribes antiviral medications and perhaps even isolated. The World Health Organization is doing there part to monitor these cases of H5N1, and the countries which these out breaks and cases have been reported. Currently, a lot of research is being done in order to create a vaccine which will prevent this virus from spreading person to person, if the virus should mutate and possess the ability to spread from human to human.