Introduction

A type A influenza virus, bird flu, is also known as avian influenza and typically affects animals and birds. However, recent researches and patient histories have diagnosed that this can also affect humans. It is an infectious or viral illness. It can also be severe and pose a greater risk of danger. Outbreaks of bird influenza often occur in enormous quantities of birds or different creatures, which is alarming as it can influence wildlife populations, disturb the food supply, and increase the risk of human infection. In this article, we will read it’s symptoms, causes, treatment, preventive measures, and how it spreads from birds to humans.

Strains of Bird Flu

Numerous strains of bird flu exist. Most of these do not harm humans, but four strains that have been observed recently have raised significant concerns. These are:

• H5N1 (identified since 1971)
• H7N9 (identified since 2013)
• H5N6 (identified since 2014)
• H5N8 (identified since 2016)

These strains do not easily infect humans and cannot be transmitted from one human to another. However, some cases of this disease have still been diagnosed in humans all over the world. Since 2003, this strain has resulted in the deaths of over 130 individuals in Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Egypt, China, and Iraq.

How Avian Influenza Virus Spread?

Bird flu is a common illness affecting several other animals, including birds. Later, there have been instances of this infection analyzed in people. The question arises: how does bird flu spread to humans? Scientists have researched that this illness spreads through close contact with contaminated birds or creatures, whether alive or dead. They visit through their secretions because their intestines can become infected and release the virus into water and other places. Water birds are thought to be the primary carriers of the virus.

Some carriers of this virus are listed below:

• Birds or animal’s body fluid, such as mucous, saliva, or spit. 
• Bird feces (poo)
• Infected migratory birds
• Slaughtering or cleaning infected poultry for cooking
• Touching birds dropping or bleeding

Small virus agents can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth when visiting places where infected birds are present, so it’s best to avoid such places. Similarly, it’s advisable to refrain from visiting markets where live birds are sold, as they can be a source of bird flu. If traveling to countries experiencing virus outbreaks, avoiding these markets is safest. This virus cannot be transferred to humans through cooked eggs or poultry. If a bird is diagnosed with this virus, professionals remove it from the entire flock and do not send it into the human food supply. 

” It is not yet known whether this virus transfers from human to human”. 

Symptoms of Bird Flu 

Identifying the precise and comprehensive symptoms of bird flu is challenging because there are very few human cases worldwide. This virus requires an incubation period of three to ten days. The initial symptoms are comparable to those of typical influenza. It contains:

• Fever (High Temperature)
• Sore Throat 
• Aching Muscles
• Cough 
• Shortness of Breathe
• Severe Headache

Some other early signs are:

• Nausea 
• Diarrhea
• Chest Pain
• Abdominal Pain
• Conjunctivitis
• Nosebleeds and Gum Bleeding

Complications of Bird Flu

Bird flu can cause severe human complications and lead to chronic diseases. These complications can be fatal for humans. Some common complications are listed below:

• Viral Pneumonia
• Eye Infection
• Bacterial Infections
• Sepsis
• Inflammation of Heart
• Respiratory Failure
• Meningoencephalitis (Brain Swelling)

Treatment and Vaccines

Several antiviral meds used to treat regular flu are also effective for bird influenza. These could be used to prevent illness in someone who was in close contact with avian influenza or if a person developed symptoms after possible exposure.

Australian residents or visitors to affected nations are not required to take antiviral medications for short periods. However, Australians living in nations impacted by avian flu should consider approaching a stockpile of antiviral drugs to be utilized for clinical exhortation.

The Australian Government is storing Relenza and Tamiflu, two medications that might be utilized to treat human instances of bird influenza. In case of a flare-up in people, these medications would be utilized to maintain fundamental administrations, forestall transmission, and treat individuals who are currently sick.

An immunization against bird influenza is being developed; however, it isn’t accessible now. The ongoing flu immunizations won’t safeguard people against bird influenza. Individuals who might be presented with bird influenza ought to consider being inoculated against human flu infections to decrease the gamble of the infections’ blending’ to frame another influenza strain.

Preventive Measures

Here are some preventive measures. By following these, you can stay safe from this virus:

• Wear defensive dress — like gloves, a veil, and goggles — while working with birds, wild creatures, and animals.
• Clean up regularly while dealing with birds, wild creatures, and domesticated animals or after being in regions where they reside. This includes going to farms, petting zoos, or areas with water features where ducks and geese often hang out.
• Avoid contact with animals known to have bird flu during outbreaks, and follow public health guidelines to limit its spread.
• Take your shoes off before entering your home after being in regions where birds like waterfowl or chickens live. This lessens the risk of spreading bird droppings (or whatever else could be debased with the infection) around your home.
• Public health experts, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., monitor instances of bird influenza in animals and humans to reduce the risk of its spread. They have vaccines for avian flu that could be quickly utilized during an outbreak.

When should I See My Medical Professional?

Talk to your healthcare provider about preventing avian influenza and when to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms. See a supplier if you think you’ve been presented with bird influenza.

When would it be advisable for me to go to the emergency room?

Go to the closest health care center when you feel sick, including:

• Trouble relaxing.
• Fever north of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
• Disarray or adjusted mental state.
• Extreme weariness or failure to awaken.
• Extreme cerebral pain.
• Stretched neck.

Read more articles here: Common viruses

Final Thoughts 

In summary, it’s essential to understand how bird flu spreads from birds to people so we can stop it effectively. Usually, it spreads when people touch infected birds or things they’ve touched, like their droppings. We must be careful and notice if someone starts feeling sick with symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, which can mean they have bird flu. Quick medical help with antiviral medicines and care can help them get better faster and stop the flu from spreading more. Also, it’s essential to ensure farms where birds are kept, are safe and clean and to tell everyone how severe bird flu can be for animals and people alike.

FAQs

Q1. Can Bird Flu Spread from Human to Human?

It’s not yet confirmed whether bird flu can spread directly between humans. Most cases result from contact with infected birds or animals.

Q2. What kind of problems can bird flu cause?

Bird influenza can prompt serious complications, such as viral pneumonia, respiratory failure, and irritation of the heart or cerebrum, which can be fatal for humans.

Q3. What are the Bird Flu Treatment Options?

Medications to treat the common flu can also be effective against bird flu. At present, there is no particular immunization for bird influenza, yet research is progressing to foster one.

Q4. How Can I Lower the Risk of Bird Influenza?

To lower the risk of bird influenza, avoid close contact with contaminated birds or creatures, practice great cleanliness, and adhere to general well-being rules during episodes.

Q5. Is Traveling to Areas with Bird Flu Outbreaks Safe?

Travelers should avoid regions with known bird influenza episodes, particularly live bird markets or ranches where tainted birds are available.

Q6. What’s the death rate of bird influenza?

Over 50% of all known cases of bird flu worldwide result in human mortality (death). This implies that half surprisingly determined to have bird influenza bite the dust from it.