Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza is a common infection of birds; there are actually 144 different strands of the avian flu virus virus, with varying intensity in symptoms and contagiousness.

However, one strand which has been a matter of deep concern in particular is H5N1; it has not only been transmitted to humans, but caused a mortality rate of over 50%. The virus can easily transmit to humans through direct poultry contact; it can also be transmitted through mammals such as pigs.

The avian flu virus is rapidly becoming a matter of concern because of its mutational capability. Once started, it's nearly impossible to control the fatal effects of the virus. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, Relenza, Amantadine and Rimantadineare available for the treatment and prevention of human flu viruses but there effectuality for the current type of avian flu is still doubtful.

The latest arrival in the series of neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) class of medicines is Tamiflu, the capsule is an antiviral medication used to paralyze the viruses in your body. It is used for the treatment of unfussy acute infirmity due to influenza contagion. The medication is also efficient against all common strains of influenza i.e.types A and B. The medication targets one of two major surface structures on the influenza virus, the neuraminidase protein. The neuraminidase protein is virtually the same in all common strains of influenza. If neuraminidase is inhibited,the virus is not able to infect new cells.

Recent tests revealed that Tamiflu can be very effectual against the treatment of Avian Influenza. According to experts Tamiflu can be a very effective against Avian Influenza. If taken properly, it can be of immense use in fighting thedreaded avian flu.

A study vindicated that Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is effective against the strain that is now hitting Vietnam and Thailand. Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor; it blocks the action of the viral enzymes. The World Health Organization (WHO)has mentioned Tamiflu as the drug for tackling bird flu if ever a human pandemic breaks out.

Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu vaccination. You should therefore continue receiving an annual flu vaccination. It is also not known whether this medicine is excreted in human milk. You should therefore, use this drug only if the potentialbenefit justifies the potential risk to the breast-fed infant. So avoid Tamiflu without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.