What’s bird flu all about – should we worry?
They’re cute and chirpy, but birds can also be dangerous. You may have heard about bird flu – nothing to panic about now – but bird flu, scientifically known as “avian influenza”, has long been a concern for poultry farmers.
Now, following a random incident in the United States, we need to be aware of bird flu.
What happened?
A worrisome strain of avian influenza recently made headlines as it spread to cattle and even one person across farms in six states in America. This marked the first widespread outbreak of bird flu in cows. The concern is that humans often mingle with cattle on farms, which creates some opportunity for the virus to jump to people.
The good news is that the overall risk to humans remains low for now.
The even better news is that scientists and medical experts are working hard to evaluate how effective certain vaccines and antiviral drugs are in helping to manage the strain. They're also updating diagnostic tools to quickly identify infections in people. The big question is whether the cows caught the virus from birds or another source, and if there are any changes that could heighten the risk to humans.
This viral infection, primarily affecting birds, occasionally spills over into humans, sparking fears of potential pandemics.
Good to know
- Watch for symptoms like a fever, cough, sore throat and muscle pains.
- Eye infections and severe breathing problems could also be common symptoms.
- Bird flu viruses naturally occur in wild birds, particularly ducks and geese. These birds often carry the virus without showing symptoms.
- Bird flu comprises several strains, with the H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes being most harmful for humans. These strains have caused sporadic outbreaks among poultry and have occasionally jumped to humans, resulting in severe illness and even fatalities.
- Direct contact with infected birds or their droppings is the primary way that bird flu can transmit to humans.
Tips to stay safe and healthy
- Steer clear of live poultry markets, farms and other places where birds are raised, especially if you're travelling to regions with known bird flu outbreaks.
- If you’re cooking chicken or other poultry, make sure it’s thoroughly prepared and cooked all the way through.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling poultry products or coming into contact with birds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- If you work with birds or handle poultry products regularly, wear protective clothing, gloves and masks to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, as this can transfer the virus from contaminated surfaces to your body.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing after being exposed to birds or poultry products, get medical assistance immediately.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.