Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can affect both birds and humans. The virus is most commonly found in wild birds, but it can also infect domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
Humans can become infected with avian flu through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or their feathers. The virus can also be spread through indirect contact, such as through contaminated food or surfaces.
The symptoms of avian flu in humans can range from mild to severe. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, avian flu can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.
There are a number of things you can do to minimize the risk of getting avian flu:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
- Avoid contact with poultry droppings.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling poultry or poultry products.
- Cook poultry thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid cross-contamination of poultry products with other foods.
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to avian flu, seek medical attention immediately.
What to do once you have avian flu
There is no specific treatment for avian flu, but antiviral medications can be used to reduce the severity of the illness. Treatment is most effective if started early in the course of the disease.
If you have avian flu, you should be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. You should also get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms.
Most people recover from avian flu within a few weeks. However, some people, especially those with chronic health conditions, may develop severe complications and require hospitalization.
If you have any questions or concerns about avian flu, talk to your doctor.