Bird Flu (Avian Flu) Directory
Bird flu, or avian flu, is a variation of the flu virus carried by birds. It is believed that birds pass the flu to domestic poultry sources such as chickens. These fowl pass the flu on to humans. Bird flu usually does not spread far from human to human. Symptoms are similar to those of the regular flu virus. The symptoms can progress to include respiratory disease, brain problems, and digestive problems. There is a vaccine, but it is not open to the general public yet. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how bird flu is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Flu
Should you be concerned about a particularly bad strain of bird flu - H5N1? WebMD went to public health experts to get answers to your questions about how it is spread, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
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What Is the Flu?
Learn more from WebMD about the flu, including causes, symptoms, types, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
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Types of Flu
Learn more from WebMD about different strains of flu and how they can be prevented.
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Influenza Vaccine: The Basics
WebMD explains what the flu vaccine is and whether it’s effective against all types of flu viruses including the recent outbreak of swine flu, as well as bird flu and types A, B, and C.
Features
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Diseases From Animals: A Primer
There are at least 39 important diseases people catch directly from animals. There are at least 48 important diseases people get from the bite of bugs that bit an infected animal. And there are at least 42 important diseases that people get by ingesting or handling food or water contaminated with animal feces.
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Diseases From Animals -- What's Next?
As experts are learning, the list of infectious diseases borne from animals is by no means complete.
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What Is a Pandemic?
Confused about what a pandemic is versus an epidemic? WebMD explains.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Pictures of Cold & Flu Symptoms, Treatments
Parsing the difference between a cold and flu isn't so easy. WebMD's slideshow explains how to tell the difference - and how to treat your symptoms.
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Slideshow: Foods for the Flu
Photos of top foods for when you have the flu. WebMD shows you soothing, nutritious foods to try at home to help you feel better as you treat flu symptoms.