The avian flu or bird flu is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. The avian flu is capable of infecting various types of birds including farmed poultry such as geese, chicken, ducks and turkeys.
What are the indications?
In most cases, the flu brought about by the H5N1 virus develops in an unusually aggressive manner. The incubation period of around 2-8 days is longer than the normal seasonal flu among humans. In some instances, the incubation period can take up to 17 days.
Humans who acquire the avian flu might develop the following signs and symptoms:
- High fever, usually over 38 degrees C
- Cough that is usually dry
Some individuals develop symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection that includes difficulty breathing. - Nose bleeding
- Aching joints, bones and muscles
- Chest pain
- Blocked nose
- Fatigue
- Cold sweats and chills
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Appetite loss
- Stomach upset, sometimes with diarrhea
- Sleeping difficulty
- Gum bleeding
- Hoarse voice
- Some individuals develop symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection that includes difficulty breathing which occurs around the 5th day of the initial symptoms
- Blood-streaked sputum
Individuals with the avian flu can rapidly deteriorate, resulting to pneumonia, multiple organ failure and even death.
Causes of avian flu
Humans can acquire the infection after being exposed to infected birds such as the following:
- Touching infected birds
- Directly handling secretions of infected birds such as fluids or saliva
- De-feathering infected birds
- Preparing poultry for cooking
- Inhaling dried feces dust from infected birds
- Markets where live birds are sold
Remember that one will not become infected if cooked poultry is eaten. Poultry should be cooked to at least an internal temperature of 74 degrees C. In addition, humans could not become infected by eating eggs. Just make sure that the eggs must be cooked until both the yolk and white are firm.
Management
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir work by suppressing viral replication as well as improve the outcome for the individual.
This medication must be given within 48 hours after the start of the symptoms to achieve the best effect. Nevertheless, since the mortality rates of avian flu are high, doctors must consider giving the medication for those who were diagnosed later.
For those with severe symptoms, the doctor might increase the recommended daily dosage as well as the duration of the treatment. Individuals diagnosed with the avian flu or those suspected with the condition should stay home or hospitalized.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on avian flu is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage respiratory ailments include this type of flu, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.