Bird Flu Disease: All You Need to Know About Avian Flu Virus

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Also known as Avian influenza, Bird flu has recently raised concerns due to its increasing cases in the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), a total of 67 cases of H5 bird flu have been reported and one death is also associated with it. 

While this sickness is usually common in birds, it can easily spread to humans. Therefore, it's important to know more about the flu, its symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment. In this blog, we’ll cover each of these aspects one by one. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

What is H5 Bird Flu?

H5 bird flu is a viral infection that is caused by the influenza A virus known for causing severe illness and high mortality in birds, especially poultry. While it majorly affects birds, it can occasionally infect humans and other animals as well. To understand the intensity of the sickness, let’s know more about this virus. 

H5 virus is categorised into numerous subtypes based on the proteins on their surface, namely hemagglutinin(H) and neuraminidase (N). 

Among these subtypes, H5 and H7 can mutate into highly pathogenic forms, making them contagious among birds. In addition to these two subtypes, H6, H9, and H10 are likely to cause human infections. 

Note: The most common subtypes that spread to humans earlier were influenza A(H5N1) and  A(H7N9). In December 2024, a patient was hospitalised with a severe case of H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana, marking the first case of illnesses linked to viruses in the USA. 

How does it Spread?  

The primary sources of infection with H5 bird flu are direct contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal secretion, or faeces. Additionally, the virus can survive on contaminated surfaces such as feed, water, and equipment used in poultry farms. Consuming infected poultry products and inhaling virus-carrying dust in farms or markets can increase the risk of transmission. 

What are the Common Symptoms of Bird Flu? 

The most common symptoms of H5 bird flu symptoms include;

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Pink eye 
• Seizures
• Altered consciousness

Note: Among all the above-mentioned symptoms pink eyes have been dominant in the recently reported cases in the USA. Additionally some mild to severe respiratory symptoms were also reported. Some previous cases of H5N1 bird flu have also resulted in deaths. 

How to Prevent Bird Flu?

Here are some preventive measures you can take to avoid catching bird flu; 

• Wear protective clothing such as gloves, goggles and masks while working with birds and wild animals.
• Avoid handling animals who have been exposed to avian influenza.
• Remember to frequently wash your hands when handling wild animals and birds.
• Avoid direct contact with deceased domestic and wild birds.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccination. Doing so would not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but reduces the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses.
• Avoid consuming raw milk products. Instead, switch to pasteurised milk as it prevents the transmission of infectious diseases.
• Take your shoes off before entering the home if you've worked in areas where chickens live. This reduces the risk of seasonal bird droppings.

What are the Treatments for Bird Flu? 

Avian flu treatment in humans includes taking prescribed antiviral medications such as Oseltamivir, Zanamivir and Peramivir. 

What is the Likelihood of Bird Flu Spreading in India? 

Considering the record of avian influenza outbreaks, the likelihood of bird flu spreading in India remains a concern. The country has faced numerous outbreaks specifically in states with large poultry industries, such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand Kerala and Maharashtra in May and June 2024. 

Additionally, in August, Odisha removed thousands of chickens after they tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Some of the common causes of these outbreaks include interactions with domestic poultry and migratory birds. 

On the other hand, human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been rare. The first reported instance of human infection was in 2021, and another was in 2024 when a child in West Bengal fully recovered from H9N2. 

Risk of Transforming into a Pandemic 

While the risk of a full-blown pandemic is uncertain, WHO and experts like virologist Gagandeep Kang highlight the importance of preventive measures such as avoiding direct contact with contaminated environment and poultry animals. For poultry workers, this becomes challenging. However, they can take other precautions to maintain safety while handling farm animals and birds. 

Bottom Line 

While the chances of H5 bird flu spreading to humans are rare, staying informed and taking preventive measures can go a long way in reducing any potential risks of spreading. Understanding how the H5N1 virus spreads, detecting early symptoms and following the recommended precautions can help you ensure your safety. In case unexpected medical expenses still arise, a reliable health insurance plan will provide much-needed financial security.

Also Read: What is Influenza?

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned information is for reference purposes only. Please visit your doctor for prescriptions and evaluation of bird flu. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.

Reference:

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/about/index.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22401-bird-flu

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/sitting-ducks-how-likely-bird-flu-pandemic-india

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-odisha-state-culls-birds-after-avian-flu-outbreak-2024-08-25/