How does the bird flu get in your body?

Answer 1

All viruses follow the same basic steps referred to as the lytic cycle.

First the Flu, or Swine Flu in this case, enters the body through close contact with an infected person (nose, mouth, eyes or breaks in the skin)

LYTIC CYCLE:

* Step 1-A virus attaches to a host cell. * Step 2- The virus breaks through the host cell's membrane (phospholipid bilayer) and releases its genetic instructions into the cell. * Step 3- The injected genetic material starts controlling the host cell's enzymes * Step 4-The 'zombie' enzymes start making parts for more new viruses. * Step 6- The new virus particles assemble into fresh new viruses. * Step 7-The new particles break out of the host cell and infect other cells in the body

Click on the links below for more information from Answers.com and HowStuffWorks.com From the Wikipedia article: Influenza viruses bind through hemagglutinin onto sialic acid sugars on the surfaces of epithelial cells; typically in the nose, throat and lungs of mammals and intestines of birds.

Answer 2

The flu virus can be spread in two ways: 1) small droplets of saliva containing the virus are coughed or sneezed into the atmosphere by an infected person. 2) direct contact with hands contaminated with the virus can also spread infection. See: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleID=163

Answer 3

The same way as the regular flu. You either inhale it or infect yourself with your fingers after touching contaminated things. So, wash your hands!! If everybody washes their hands regularly, we would be able to reduce all kind of infections.

Answer 4

The Bird Flu is spread from animals to humans but not from humans to humans. To transfer the sickness, an animal only has to come into contact with another animal who has it. The animal with the Avian Flu can give it to another bird or human through its feces, saliva, or nasal secretions. That means that you should be careful when handling any birdbath, feeder, or other place where saliva or feces is likely to be. It is rare in humans, but better safe than sorry, use gloves or be sure to wash your hands well after touching anything the birds may have left secretions or excrement.

See also the related question below which explains the process called lytic process which is how viruses infect our cells.

Answer 5

Through mucus membranes, mostly in the mouth and nose, but eyes, too.

Answer 6

A flu virus is both direct contact and airborne or inhaled.