Severe case of bird flu in the U.S.: Here are symptoms, treatment, precautions, vaccines and all the details you need to know

There have been a few isolated instances of human infection with avian influenza (flu) A viruses, despite the fact that these viruses typically do not infect humans.

Human illnesses caused by avian influenza virus infections have varied in intensity, ranging from mild illness or no symptoms to severe illness that has led to death.

The majority of human illnesses caused by avian influenza viruses that have been reported globally to date, including the most severe illnesses with high mortality rates, have been caused by the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus and the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) and A(H5N6) viruses.


Avian influenza viruses are expelled by infected birds through their faeces, mucous, and saliva. The virus may be found in the respiratory secretions, various organs, blood, or other bodily fluids, such as animal milk, of other animals infected with avian influenza viruses.

How does it infect humans?

Bird flu viruses can infect humans when they enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, or when they are inhaled. This may occur if a virus is in the air (in the form of droplets, tiny aerosol particles, or perhaps dust) and lands on the eye mucous membranes or if a person inhales it. It may also occur if a person touches something contaminated with viruses and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

Viruses that cause avian influenza have been found in numerous other species. Steer clear of surfaces that seem to be contaminated by raw milk, litter, animal faeces, or materials that have been contaminated by birds or other animals that have been suspected or proven to have an avian influenza virus infection.

The CDC has information about precautions to take with wild birds, poultry, and other animals, as well as guidance for specific groups of people with exposure to poultry and other potentially infected animals, such as poultry or dairy workers, and people responding to bird flu outbreaks. Some bird flu infections have been identified in which the source of infection was unknown.

Is it contagious?

It is extremely uncommon for bird flu viruses to spread from one infected person to a close contact, and when it does, it only affects a small number of people. Public health monitoring for human infection and person-to-person transmission is crucial.

Symptoms

The bird flu virus infections in humans can cause eye redness, mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the flu, pneumonia that necessitates hospitalisation, fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, exhaustion, and shortness of breath or discomfort when breathing. Signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, or seizures are less frequent.

Laboratory testing is required to identify a bird flu virus infection inn humans, typically obtained in the initial days of illness. Lower respiratory tract specimens can be collected and tested to help diagnose critically ill patients. Bird flu virus detection in a specimen, however, may be challenging for certain patients who are no longer very ill or who have fully recovered.

FAQs

What symptoms do humans experience when they contract bird flu?
Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms like a cough, fever, and fatigue to severe conditions like pneumonia, shortness of breath, or seizures. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are less common signs.

How does bird flu spread to people?
Bird flu is transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds or their secretions, which include saliva, mucus, and faeces. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can all transmit the virus.