| abstract |
Avian influenza is treated with natural human alpha interferon, neuraminidase inhibitor(s) and ribavirin. Effects of influenza virus are mitigated with a dsRNA in combination with a neuraminidase influenza virus inhibitor. These two products, dsRNA, and alpha interferon, have therapeutic utility either given preventively (prophylactically) or in treatment of active disease. These unique immunological/antiviral actions, operating through immunological "cascades" ameliorates the lethal effects of viral mutation which, by causing resistance to commonly available drugs, greatly accelerates the death rate. For example, in 1918-1920, Avian Influenza caused the death of approximately 40 million people worldwide (ref. National Geographic, Sept. 2005). |