Bird flu is a disease mainly affecting birds, but some strains like H7N9 and H5N1 can spread to humans and cause severe illness. Bird flu can spread to humans through contact with an infected bird’s bodily fluids. It is part of the Avian Influenza A group and can enter through the nose, eyes, or mouth. The virus can enter the body by breathing in dust or air droplets or touching contaminated surfaces. Read on to learn more:
Symptoms
The avian flu symptoms may vary in people. Some prevalent signs include:
Cough
Muscle aches
Body aches
Fever of 37 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Diarrhea
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Vomiting and nausea
Conjunctivitis or pink eye
Bird flu may result in severe respiratory conditions and symptoms. These include:
Dyspnea or shortness of breath
Pneumonia
Respiratory failure
Acute respiratory distress
Some infected individuals might develop secondary bacterial infections. In extreme avian flu cases, an infected person may get neurologic signs, such as mental changes or seizures. Bird flu may also result in septic shock or multi-organ failure.
Causes
Humans can get infected from unprotected contact with birds carrying the virus. Avian flu rarely transmits from one person to another. Studies by the United States of America’s Food and Agriculture Organization pointed out some activities that can cause avian flu in humans. These are:
Coming into contact with infected birds
Handling or inhaling secretions from infected birds
Engaging in the preparation of infected poultry before cooking
Participating in the slaughtering or butchering of infected poultry
Interacting with birds intended for sale
Visiting markets where live birds are sold
The infection may transmit to humans via a person’s mouth, nose, or eyes. But some people develop it even sans exposure to birds with the virus. Viruses can be found in bird droppings, which have the potential to contaminate various items such as food, equipment, vehicles, shoes, clothing, soil, dust, and water. Animals, including their bodies and especially their feet, can also serve as carriers of the H5N1 virus.
Tests and diagnosis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized some tests for avian influenza detection. It is known as the influenza A/H5 virus real-time RT-PCR primer and probe set and can offer initial results within four hours. But the tests’ widespread availability is curtailed. Further, for bird flu confirmation, the doctor may conduct the below-listed tests:
Auscultation, which detects abnormal breath sounds
White blood cell differential
Nasopharyngeal culture
Chest X-ray
One may also undergo other tests for the liver, kidneys, and heart functionality evaluation.
Prevention
Sadly, it is impossible to prevent avian flu from spreading, but authorities can prepare the communities for possible infections by monitoring the migration patterns of birds. While the vaccine for H5N1 infection is there, it is not available for widespread use. However, one can lower the transmission by taking some precautions, such as:
Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water before and after using the bathroom, coughing, or handling food.
Coughing into the tissue or elbow and disposing of the used tissue
Isolating from the public if one experiences any symptoms.
