The avian flu or bird flu affects birds as the main target instead of humans. The influenza viruses naturally occur among wild birds and can infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals.
How does it spread
Birds who are infected shed the flu virus in their nasal secretions, saliva and feces. The virus spreads when susceptible birds are exposed to contaminated surfaces or secretions.
The avian flu virus does not generally infect humans. Nevertheless, infections among humans have been reported, usually after direct or close exposure to ducks, chickens or turkeys. Remember that one will not acquire the avian flu from eating fully cooked poultry products such as duck, chicken or turkey.
Preventive measures
The ideal way to prevent infection with the avian flu is to avoid exposure.
- Always wash hands – generally, birds are carriers of various diseases aside from the avian flu, thus it is vital to wash hands using water and soap after being around birds or bird droppings. Avoid touching the nose or mouth or rub the eyes while handling birds.
- Avoid touching birds at the market or farm or wild birds in parks.
- For those who have a pet bird, make sure that its food and water are safely kept inside to avoid exposure to any infected birds. Always keep the bird cage clean and wash hands after handling the bird.
- All poultry products should be cooked properly to eliminate the risk for infection.
What are the indications?
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Pneumonia
- Muscle ache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Acute respiratory distress
- Respiratory failure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Neurological changes in some cases such as seizures and altered mental status
Management
At the present, the avian flu that develops among humans is managed with peramivir, oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment.