Brace Yourself Against Bird Flu

The August 11, 2017 YAHOO! News reads: “The Philippines declared its first ever outbreak of the H5 strain of bird flu on Friday, but said there had been no cases of humans infected. An immediate cull was ordered for all chicken, ducks and quail within a kilometer (0.6 miles) of the infected poultry in San Luis town, north of Manila, said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.”

What is Bird Flu?

Bird Flu is a virus infection. The virus transmission is bird-to-bird (including ducks, chicken, quail, fowl, and other feathery animals). Bird to other animal (e.g. pigs, goats, cows, donkeys) transmission has been reported. Bird-to-human transmission and other animal-to-human transmission are possible.

How do humans get bird flu?

People who get close contact with birds and poultry animals can get bird flu. Those who swim and bathe in waters or river contaminated with bird droppings can also contract the disease. People who handle fighting cocks are not exempted from having bird flu.

Can bird flu transfer from one person to another?

Bird flu virus is a fast-mutating virus. In other words, when it infects a person, it genetically changes to human virus form. This is the reason why human-to-human transmission of bird flu is possible.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu

Bird flu symptoms can vary. Bird flu can present itself as the usual flu-like symptoms of fever and body malaise. The respiratory tract can be affected and thus cough and pneumonia-like symptoms can be present. Bird flu affecting the digestive tract resulting to abdominal symptoms of diarrhea and tummy pain is possible.

Diagnosis and treatment

Definitive diagnosis is made through the laboratory identification of the virus. Medical history of exposure to birds is important in the process of diagnosis. Treatment is instituted with the use of antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, or peramivir.

Prevention

Anti-bird flu vaccine is available in the United States.

Wash hands carefully. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before preparing food and eating.

Disinfect common areas. Get in the habit of cleaning high-traffic areas and surfaces.

Teach good hygiene. Show your children how to practice good hygiene and how to keep themselves clean. Explain to them why it’s best not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects in their mouths.

Isolate people with fever. If you have fever, stay at home.