H5N1 Avian Flu

     H5N1 is a 'highly pathogenic' avian flu. Highly Pathogenic means high chance of disease causation. Avian refers to flu from a bird. There are many 'H' 'N' viruses nationwide. Human flu viruses include H1N1, H1N2, & H3N2 which are A sub-types. The two glycoproteins are essential for efficient virus replication. The 'H' is for hemaglutinin (HA). This substance determines the ability of the virus to attach to other cells.The 'N' stands for neuraminidase (NA) which determines the spreading ability of the virus. HA works by binding to receptors on target cells. This initiates an infection immediately, no matter how small. NA cuts acids from these receptors and inhibitors to properly release the virus and to promote the spread to neighbor cells.
There are many more types of HA and NA, making numerous types of viruses. Avian influenza (H5N1) is probably the most feared virus of all. The probability that this virus infects humans are slim to none, but it does happen.
     Since 2003, six-hundred cases of the virus have been reported for H5N1 nationwide. Living in the United States we are safe from such a virus, so far! It is not contagious between humans and most infected know to have been in contact with infected or dead poultry. Sixty percent of the reported six-hundred passed away from the illness. Asia and the Middle East are the main places this virus has had outbreaks. Symptoms are not very serious and compare to many illness'. These include fever, coughing, respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Eventual results of the virus lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, shock, altered mind. seizures, failure of organs, and death.
     Since 2011, sixty-two human cases have been reported. Thirty-four deaths were from countries Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, and Indonesia. The U.S. carefully controls our import food products, especially poultry, and has banned any product coming from countries who may have infected bird flu poultry. Recently, Thailand has begun phase 1 clinical trial to test the H5N1 vaccine. This is a reult of international collaboration and is the first step in testing this vaccine in humans. The whole process is expected to be finished by May 2013. flu.gov wikipedia 'H' 'N'

The actual structure of the virus.

Recent out break in Ninh Bihn Provence in August.