BC – A British Columbia teenager has become the first person in the country to test positive for bird flu, authorities said. This person is receiving treatment in a children’s hospital for H5 avian flu, the provincial health department said. “This is a rare event,” British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry said. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in BC.” People suffering from bird flu are given an antiviral medicine such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). Antiviral medicines help reduce the severity of the condition, prevent complications and improve the chances of survival.
