Like humans, birds are also prone to flu. There are 15 types of bird (Avian) flu. Of these, H5N1 is one of the most contagious strains, which is usually fatal in birds, and can prove fatal to humans too. According to concerned scientists this virus can infect humans in close contact with birds. Virology professor Dr. John Oxford (UK) believes that the basic virus could be passed between humans. Then again, at present there is no clear evidence that it can be passed from human to human. The H5N1 strain has killed at least 90 people since early 2003. It is interesting that Bird flu was previously thought only to infect birds until the first few patients were seen in Hong Kong in May 1997. Most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretion or excretions from infected birds. The spread of these influenza viruses from one ill person to another is uncommon.

Migratory birds, particularly wild ducks, which usually come to our country during winter season, are natural carriers of the viruses, but they are unlikely to actually develop an infection. But they pass it on to domestic birds -- chicken and ducks -- which are much more at risk to this virus. Humans usually catch the infection through close contact with live infected chickens and ducks. Infected birds shed influenza viruses also in their saliva and nasal secretions. Chickens or ducks excrete the virus in their faeces -- one of the main roots of transmission. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated secretions or excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. The H5N1 virus is transmitted between affected poultry. People, vehicles, and other non-living objects such as cages can be vectors for the spread of the virus from one farm to another. When this happens, Bird-flu outbursts can take place among poultry.

Signs and symptoms are similar to other types of influenza -- fever, malaise, sore throats and coughs. Sometimes patients develop conjunctivitis. Some researchers believe that the virus can affect all parts of the body, not just the lungs. According to bird flu experts, this is not a food-borne virus, so eating chicken is not dangerous. The only people thought to be at risk are those involved in the slaughter and preparation of meat that may be infected. Nevertheless, the WHO recommends that all meat should be cooked at a temperature of at least 70C. Eggs should also be thoroughly cooked. But we need to be careful with 'FRIED CHICKEN' as the temperature in core part of the chicken may not reach the required 70C. Some scientists are saying about the negligible risk but at the same time do not rule out the chances to become infected. Principally, humans have contracted the virus following very close contact with infected chickens.

Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu which are already available in India (so far controlled by government) may help limit symptoms and reduce the chances of spread. But, in actual fact there is not yet a perfect vaccine; prototypes that offer protection against the H5N1 strain are being produced. Wetlands in Bangladesh play host to hundreds and thousands of migratory birds. Thus Bangladesh is also exposed to a potential risk. Bangladesh health ministry should stockpile antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and take some actions for public awareness. As well as we need to establish facilities for diagnosing this virus in couple of diagnostic laboratories immediately. Some scientists suggested that it may be helpful to have stocks of other drugs from the same family such as Relenza.