Bird Flu

Bird flu (avian influenza) is a flu virus that mostly infects birds. Certain strains — notably H5N1 and H7N9 — can occasionally infect people who have had close contact with infected poultry. Human bird flu cases are rare but taken very seriously because the virus can cause severe illness, and public-health agencies watch for strains that could develop the ability to spread easily between people.

How it spreads

• Close contact with infected birds (live or dead), their droppings, secretions, or contaminated surfaces
• Visiting live-bird markets in affected areas
• Working in poultry farms during outbreaks
• Very rarely, person to person — and not in a way that causes sustained outbreaks (so far)

You cannot get bird flu from eating well-cooked chicken or eggs.

Symptoms

Usually 2-5 days after exposure:

• High fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Severe respiratory symptoms — shortness of breath, pneumonia
• Sometimes abdominal pain, diarrhoea, eye irritation
• Severe cases — respiratory failure, multi-organ failure

Diagnosis and treatment

• Testing uses a swab from the nose or throat
• Treatment is with specific antiviral medicines — most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms
• Severe cases need intensive care
• Close contacts may be given preventive antivirals and monitored

Prevention

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds; don't visit live-bird markets in outbreak areas
• Cook poultry thoroughly (74°C / 165°F) — kills the virus; raw or undercooked poultry and eggs are the risk
• Wash hands after handling raw poultry
• Annual seasonal flu vaccine — doesn't protect against bird flu but reduces the chance of being co-infected (which theoretically helps viruses swap genetic material)
• Poultry workers and cullers should use protective equipment during outbreaks
• Report dead or sick birds to local veterinary authorities — in India, the Department of Animal Husbandry monitors outbreaks
• During active outbreaks, follow local public-health guidance on travel and food safety

If you live in an area with a confirmed bird-flu outbreak and develop fever and respiratory symptoms, tell your doctor about the exposure so appropriate testing and precautions can be arranged.