Bird flu: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Bird flu: Types, Symptoms & Treatment #h5n1 #birdfluprevention #birdflutreatment
In this video it is described that
Avian influenza, commonly called “bird flu,” is a viral infection that usually spreads in birds but can sometimes spread to humans.
Influenza A(H5N1) is the most common cause in humans.
It can cause severe respiratory symptoms. People who work with poultry, waterfowl (like geese and ducks) and livestock are most at risk.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection from a type of influenza (flu) virus that usually spreads in birds and other animals. Sometimes, humans can get bird flu from infected animals. Like the versions of flu that people usually get, bird flu can be serious and is much more likely to be deadly. It’s extremely rare for it to spread from person to person.
You might hear about bird flu when there’s an outbreak affecting large numbers of birds or other animals. This is concerning because it increases the risk of human infection, can affect wildlife and can reduce the food supply.
Types of bird flu
There are many subtypes of avian flu. The most common subtypes that spread to humans are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N9). These are named based on types of proteins on the surface of the virus.
How common is bird flu in humans?
So far, bird flu infections in humans are rare. There have been less than 1,000 known cases worldwide since it was first identified in humans in 1997. There have only been two cases in the U.S.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of bird flu (avian influenza)?
Symptoms of bird flu include:
Fever.
Fatigue.
Cough.
Muscle aches.
Sore throat.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Stuffy or runny nose.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
What causes Bird flu?
A type of influenza A virus, often H5N1 in humans, causes bird flu. The virus can infect your upper respiratory tract and lungs and even spread to other parts of your body, like your brain.
How is Bird flu treated?
If identified early, you can treat bird flu with antiviral medications. A provider might prescribe:
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®).
Peramivir (Rapivab®).
Zanamivir (Relenza®).