Avian flu in India: Golden rules, symptoms, causes and prevention by WHO

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. The H5N1 strain is the most common and dangerous, causing severe illness and death in poultry and being easily transmitted to humans and other animals. According to the World Health Organization, H5N1 has a high mortality rate in humans, with nearly 60% of infected people dying since it first appeared in 1997. Although human-to-human transmission is very rare, rare, but experts are concerned about its ability to cause epidemics. pandemic.

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What are bird flu symptoms?

If you have bird flu, you may experience typical flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• uncomfortable
• Have a runny nose
• Sore throat

If exposed to bird flu, notify medical staff before going to a medical facility so they can take necessary precautions.

Causes of bird flu: Spread, infection and risk factors

Avian influenza, specifically the H5N1 strain, was first identified in humans in Hong Kong in 1997. The outbreak was linked to the handling of infected poultry. H5N1 occurs naturally in wild waterfowl but is easily transmitted to farmed poultry. Humans contract the virus through contact with infected bird droppings, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes. Eating properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds does not transmit bird flu, but eggs must be thoroughly cooked.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, can be transmitted to humans through contact with the body fluids of infected animals. This includes saliva, respiratory droplets, and stool. You can breathe in small dust particles from animal habitats or get the virus into your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching contaminated body fluids.

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However, you don’t get bird flu if you eat properly cooked poultry or eggs. Any flock known to have avian influenza virus must be immediately removed from the human food supply to ensure safety.

Is bird flu contagious?

Bird flu rarely spreads from person to person. Although there have been some cases of person-to-person transmission, none have occurred in the United States. Most human infections result from direct contact with infected animals.

Risk factors for avian flu

1. Livestock workers: People who work with poultry are at highest risk.
2. Waterfowl handler: People who work with ducks or geese are also at significant risk.
3. Livestock workers: Individuals who work with pets may be at risk.
4. Contact with infected animals: Direct contact with infected animals increases the risk.
5. Animal habitat: Contact with contaminated animal habitats can lead to infection.
6. Environmental dust: Inhalation of dust particles from contaminated environments poses a risk.
7. Surface pollution: Touching surfaces contaminated with the body fluids of an infected animal can spread the virus.
8. Precautions: Practicing good hygiene and wearing protective gear can minimize risks.

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Risk factors for avian flu

H5N1 can survive for a long time and infected birds can shed the virus in feces and saliva for up to 10 days. Risk factors for H5N1 infection include:

• Is a poultry farmer
• Travel to affected areas
• Contact with infected poultry
• Eat undercooked poultry or eggs
• A medical worker who takes care of infected patients
• Living with an infected person

Diagnosis of bird flu

CDC has approved a test kit called the Influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) Real-Time RT-PCR Primer and Probe Kit, which can provide preliminary results in 4 hours. However, this test is not widely available. Other diagnostic methods include auscultation (to detect abnormal breath sounds), white blood cell differential, nasopharyngeal culture, and chest X-ray. Additional tests may evaluate heart, kidney, and liver function.

Summary of Avian Influenza (H5N1)	Detail
First human infection	1997 in Hong Kong
Natural appearance	wild waterfowl
Spreads to humans	Contact with infected bird droppings, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes
Safe consumption	Poultry is properly cooked (internal temperature 165°F/73.9°C); Eggs should not be watery

Treatment of bird flu

Treatment for bird flu varies depending on the strain and symptoms. Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may reduce the severity of the illness if taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing. However, the virus can develop resistance to common antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), rendering them ineffective. People who have been in close contact with infected people may also be prescribed antiviral medications as a preventative measure. Severe cases may require hospitalization and use of a ventilator.

Tests to diagnose avian flu

Auscultation (a test that detects abnormal breath sounds)

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differentiate leukocytes

nasopharyngeal culture

chest X-ray

Prevent bird flu

Prevention of bird flu includes several measures. Doctors may recommend a flu shot to prevent co-infection with flu in humans, which could lead to a new, more dangerous strain of flu. CDC advises travelers to avoid outdoor markets, contact with infected poultry, and undercooked poultry. Practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is essential. The FDA has approved a vaccine for avian influenza, but it has not yet been made publicly available and is reserved for potential future outbreaks.

• outdoor market
• contact with infected poultry
• undercooked poultry

Outlook for avian flu patients

The prognosis for avian flu varies depending on the strain and severity of the infection. H5N1 has a high mortality rate and can lead to complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, organ failure, and acute respiratory failure. Prompt medical care is important if you develop flu symptoms within 10 days after handling poultry or visiting areas with known outbreaks.

Some potential complications are:

• sepsis (a potentially fatal inflammatory response to bacteria and other germs)
• pneumonia
• organ failure
• acute respiratory failure

Ensuring food safety: WHO’s golden rule when consuming cooked food

To prevent foodborne bird flu, follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines on consuming cooked foods. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats will support good health and boost immunity. Proper nutrition also helps boost mental health, energy levels and cognitive function. Hydration and moderation in food intake are equally important for maintaining a healthy weight and overall health.

Here are five brief points to prevent bird flu through food:

• Follow WHO Guidelines: Eat properly cooked food to avoid bird flu.
• Balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Boosts immunity: Proper nutrition supports overall health and strengthens the immune system.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water daily for optimal health.
• Moderation: Maintain a healthy weight by moderation in food intake.

Conclusion

Avian influenza remains a major health concern due to its high mortality rate and pandemic potential. Understanding the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options can help manage and prevent the spread of this dangerous virus. Practicing good hygiene, ensuring food safety and keeping up to date with health guidelines are essential steps to protect yourself and others from avian influenza.

Source: https://anhngunewlight.edu.vn
Category: Blog