A health condition caused by influenza type A virus infections found in different bird species is called bird flu or avian influenza. Sometimes, birds may not have symptoms but certain strains may cause serious illness, which may even lead to the bird’s death.
This virus rarely affects humans. However, healthcare providers are worried about these viruses because they can mutate (change), infect humans, and spread from one person to another. In other words, a new mutated strain of bird flu may infect humans and it would be like a new virus. Moreover, it may spread around the world quite fast.
Commonly, people get infected with this virus from close and long-term contact with live and domesticated poultry usually on farms or in backyard coops. Although bird flu can spread to other people it occurs rarely. Additionally, people may get infected with bird flu from wild birds or other animal type.
Usually, symptoms of bird flu are similar to the flu, which is a viral infection of the nose, lungs, and throat. Bird flu symptoms appear differently among people and can be mild to severe.
Symptoms
In most cases, symptoms appear within 1 week after exposure to the virus but sometimes may appear within 2 weeks. Flu viruses cause similar symptoms and the only you need to do is to visit a doctor to confirm the condition. Check below some bird flu symptoms:
- Fever
- Breathing problems
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
However, bird flu can cause breathing issues more frequently than other flu types. As a result, the risk of needing a breathing machine is higher.
If you suspect you have bird flu or experience any of the previous symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Causes
Influenza often happens due to a virus that infects the cells in the respiratory system including the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu virus usually spreads to other people through saliva, mucus, stool, and breath. You may get infected with this virus if you are touching objects with flu particles on them and after that touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
In most cases, people become infected with bird flu from long-term and close contact with domesticated poultry usually on farms. Rarely, you may get this condition by contact with wild birds or another type of animal.
In any case, birds that you can see in yards or parks do not carry bird flu viruses that may infect people.
Sometimes, people may get the virus from undercooked foods including eggs or poultry. Moreover, in some cases, people may get bird flu from raw dairy products but if the dairy has been heated to destroy germs (pasteurization) it is not considered a risk factor for bird flu.
Risk Factors
Generally, the risk of getting bird flu is low. The most common risk factor for people is direct contact with sick poultry or their environment. The virus may spread to humans from infected birds through saliva, mucus, or stool.
In rare cases, people may get bird flu after contact with wild birds or from an infected person.
What Are The Possible Complications of Bird Flu?
Those who suffer from bird flu may notice worsening of existing health problems or develop new ones and some of them may be life-threatening. Check below some complications:
- Chronic lung conditions worsening (including cystic fibrosis or asthma)
- Sinus and ear infection
- Respiratory system failure (also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Kidney disorders
- Heart problems
- Sepsis
- Bleeding in the lungs collapsed lung, or bacterial pneumonia
Is it Possible to Prevent Bird Flu?
Yes, but you should follow all recommendations to protect yourself, especially if you work with animals as a job.
Furthermore, people who travel in regions where bird flu is spreading should avoid poultry farms and bird markets if it is possible. Thus, fully cook the food and regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after handling food and animals.
Another way to prevent bird flu is to get the seasonal flu vaccine each year. This vaccine is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for everyone who is at least 6 months of age. Although the vaccine cannot prevent bird flu it helps you not have 2 flu viruses at the same time. Check below some actions you can take to lower the risk of bird flu:
- Do not get in direct contact with sick animals or that may be sick either wild or domestic.
- The virus that causes bird flu may enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. That’s why it is advised to wear eye protection, a face mask, and gloves.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after touching animals or surfaces that may have the virus on them.
Additionally, it is recommended to follow safe food handling recommendations. In any case, bird flu may occur from food but very rarely. For example:
- Disinfect and clean thoroughly all surfaces in the kitchen that have come in contact with raw poultry, meat, seafood, or eggs.
- It is recommended to cook the food fully until the interior temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).
- Do not consume raw dairy products.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this condition by taking a sample of fluid from the nose and throat. A sample of eye fluid also may be taken if you have conjunctivitis (pink eye). Furthermore, if you experience symptoms and think you were exposed to bird flu through traveling, working, or your hobbies, immediately visit a doctor.
Treatment
Doctors usually prescribe antiviral medicines to treat bird flu and stop spreading the flu virus in the body. To get the best results, you should take these medications as soon as symptoms appear. These medications include Oseltamivir (oral medication), Zanamivir (inhaled using a device similar to an asthma inhaler), or Peramivir (injection).
You should also avoid people if you are waiting for laboratory results. However, if you do not have bird flu but experience symptoms, doctors may recommend testing for people you had in close contact with. In addition, physicians may advise antiviral medicines for people who were exposed to bird flu and are at higher risk of severe conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other animals get bird flu?
Yes, especially those who eat infected birds or poultry. These include wild animals such as seals, bears, foxes, and skunks as well as domestic animals including dogs and cats.
What are the primary symptoms of bird flu?
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
Contact your doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur.
What are the possible complications of bird flu?
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Brain swelling (also called meningoencephalitis)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Bleeding in the lungs
- Sinus and ear infection
If you suspect you have any of the complications listed above, immediately visit a doctor. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
