The bird flu or avian flu is a highly communicable form of influenza that rapidly disperses among various birds. In uncommon occasions, the virus can also infect humans. There are various strains of the bird flu virus and most do not infect humans. On the other hand, there are two specific strains that have triggered serious health issues in the recent years.
Even though these viruses do not infect humans easily and does not spread from human to human contact, a number of individuals all over the world were infected that led to several reported deaths.
The bird flu is known to affect various bird species including ducks, chickens, geese and turkeys. The virus can spread from commercial, pet and wild birds. Take note that birds do not always get sick from the infection, thus seemingly healthy birds can still pose as a risk to individuals who come in contact with them.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Just like with other types of flu, the bird flu symptoms often include the following:
- Aching muscles
In some cases, there is also vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, abdominal pain and bleeding from the gums as early symptoms. - Fever
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose or cough
In some cases, there is also vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, abdominal pain and bleeding from the gums as early symptoms. Take note that these symptoms can occur abruptly.
The time the infection was acquired up to the manifestation of symptoms is usually 3-5 days but in some cases, it can reach up to 7 days. Within the days where the symptoms manifest, potentially life-threatening complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and multiple organ failure might develop. Immediate treatment using antiviral medications can help prevent complications and minimize the risk for death.
When to seek further care
It is vital to set an appointment with a doctor right away if the individual experiences these symptoms and have visited an area where there are cases of reported bird flu in the last 2 weeks.
Having flu-like symptoms is unlikely to indicate that the individual has bird flu unless been in closely exposed to birds in an area where outbreaks have been reported.
How the bird flu virus spreads to humans
The bird flu virus spreads via contact with infected birds, droppings or secretions from their eyes or respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure with an infected bird is usually required for the infection to spread to humans such as:
- Directly handling infected birds both alive or dead
- Direct contact or inhaling dried dust from droppings or bedding of infected birds
- Preparation of diseased poultry for cooking
- Direct exposure or inhaling droplets sneezed by infected birds
Another source of the bird flu virus is live markets in which birds are offered in congested and oftentimes unhygienic conditions. It is not advisable to visit these markets if travelling to high-risk countries that have a current outbreak of the bird flu. Take note that the bird flu virus is not spread through cooked food. Eggs and poultry are safe to eat in areas that have outbreaks of the virus.