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Bird Flu or Avian Influenza


Bird flu or avian influenza is a viral infection that infects not only birds, but also humans and other animals. There are different types of bird flu depending on the virus subtypes attacking you. Scientists have identified more than a dozen types of viruses that cause bird flu, but the two most common strains are H5N1 and H7N9. Although the influenza virus that causes bird flu rarely infects humans, but when it does in fact, it can become fatal. of avian influenza affecting the human population was caused by the H5N1 virus in Hong Kong in 1997. After this incident, several other cases of avian influenza were reported in Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Egypt. Since 1997, less than 500 deaths from bird flu have been recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred in Asia, Africa, North America and various parts of Europe. During this phase, it was observed that people who had close contact with sick birds were infected with the influenza virus.

Bird Flu Causes 

The avian influenza virus occurs naturally in wild water birds (a diverse family of birds like swans, geese, ducks) and can be spread by various means to domestic poultry like chicken, turkey, ducks and geese. Diseases are spread through direct contact with the infected bird, its stool or secretions. The chances of getting infected with the bird flu virus are comparatively high in open markets because the disease can easily spread to others.

It is also necessary to avoid or limit the consumption of poultry and products. Eating undercooked foods made from infected meat or eggs can also transmit the flu. However, there is nothing wrong with consuming poultry meat or eggs after cooking them properly to an internal temperature of 165 F.

The disease is spread to humans after coming into direct contact with the infected bird. Very few cases of human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus have been observed.

Influenza viruses can be divided into four types: A, B, C, and D.

The influenza A virus infects both humans and animals. Viruses in this category are further classified into subtypes based on combinations of different virus surface proteins. Based on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza virus subtypes (avian influenza) such as A (H5N1) and A (H9N2) or subtypes swine flu viruses such as A (H1N1) and A (H3N2).

Influenza B viruses can also spread to humans. Influenza caused by C viruses is rarely reported but can infect both humans and pigs. Influenza D viruses mainly affect cattle and so far no human cases have been reported.


Symptoms of Bird Flu

You may notice signs and symptoms of bird flu within five to seven days of getting infected with the virus. The timing may vary depending on the type of virus that transmits the disease. Symptoms of bird flu or avian influenza are similar to those of regular flu. You may suffer from:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Irritated throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Apart from these symptoms, in severe cases, a person infected with the virus may even suffer from conjunctivitis, pneumonia, kidney dysfunction, and heart problems. If left untreated, bird flu can even become fatal. Therefore, timely attention is essential and should not be avoided.


Bird Flu Preventions

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of bird flu, such as:

-Wash your hands regularly and properly before eating or coming into contact with any surface or other parts of the body.

-Cover your nose or mouth when you sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue and throw it away after using it once. Ensure adequate sanitation at all times.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth continuously.

-If you start to feel sick or ill, see your doctor. The doctor may recommend antiviral treatment if you are a caregiver.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you follow special instructions when traveling to countries with an outbreak of avian influenza. Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to other countries:

-Avoid visiting poultry farms, rural areas, small markets or contact with animals.

-Do not touch any surface potentially contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

-Wash your hands regularly to avoid infections of all kinds. You can use alcohol-based products to clean your hand while traveling.

- If you are traveling, take a flu shot first.


Are poultry and egg products safe for consumption?

There is nothing wrong with eating properly cooked chicken or eggs. The heat kills the virus and is not a threat to health. However, there are a few things you should do while cooking to ensure safety:

-Use hot water and soap to wash the knife and any utensils that have come in contact with raw chicken.

-Cook chicken properly until its minimum internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit.

-Wash the raw chicken pieces properly with hot water.

- Be careful when handling eggs as eggshells are often contaminated.


Myths

Myth: Bird flu will not affect if you are a vegetarian.

Fact: Avian influenza can be spread even by indirect contact with the contaminated surface. It is transmitted by air droplets, dust, food or water.


Myth: The flu shot is the only way to prevent it.

Fact: The flu shot cannot completely prevent bird flu. You should take extra precautions like washing your hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with a contaminated surface, a hen or eggs.


Treatment

After examining your condition and severity, the doctor may recommend that you have a lab test or an imaging test or both to confirm the presence of the virus.

Laboratory test

Fluid samples from your nose or throat will be taken and tested for the presence of the bird flu virus. The lab test is usually done within 2-3 days of the onset of symptoms.

Imaging test

X-rays can help understand the condition inside your lungs, which can help determine the appropriate medications and the course of action.

Most doctors recommend antiviral treatment to fight bird flu. However, some reports suggest that many influenza viruses have become resistant to antiviral drugs like amantadine and rimantadine. In such a case, medicines from Oseltamivir or Zanamivir may be prescribed for you.