Bird flu (Avian Influenza)
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, often known as avian influenza, is an infectious illness caused by influenza viruses that primarily infect birds. Many different strains can infect wild birds and poultry. Human infection is uncommon, although certain strains of avian flu can cause serious sickness. People can contract bird flu by close contact with infected birds, their droppings, feathers, or polluted habitats.
How does bird flu spread?
Bird flu can be transmitted to humans by close contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. Person-to-person transmission is rare.
Possible sources of exposure are:
- Touching sick or deceased birds.
- Contact with bird droppings, saliva, or respiratory secretions.
- Touching contaminated surfaces, clothes, or equipment.
- Contact with polluted locations, such as ponds, nests, or feeding grounds.
- Close contact with sick animals.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Symptoms may vary depending on the infection and the individual. Possible symptoms include:
- A runny or congested nose
- Muscle or body pains.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Other influenza-like symptoms.
Symptoms may be mild in some people but more severe in others.
Who is at a higher risk of bird flu?
Although the risk of human infection remains minimal, exposure is more prevalent in individuals who:
- Work with poultry and other birds.
- Keep birds at home or on the farm.
- Work with infected animals.
- Work in poultry processing.
- Handle contaminated avian material.
- Work in animal health or veterinary care.
- Have been in close contact with birds in an area affected by bird flu.
People whose work involves regular contact with birds should follow relevant workplace safety guidelines.
How is the avian flu diagnosed?
If a healthcare professional thinks you have bird flu, they will check your symptoms and ask if you have recently been around infected birds or other animals.
Testing can include:
- A sample taken from the nose or throat.
- Laboratory testing of the sample.
- An assessment of your most recent exposure history.
- Monitoring for changes in symptoms.
If bird flu is suspected after relevant exposure, you may need to isolate yourself while testing is carried out.
How is bird flu managed?
The type and severity of the infection decide the appropriate care. If bird flu is suspected or confirmed, healthcare and public health professionals may offer special guidance. Management may include:
- Medical care if appropriate.
- Monitoring symptoms.
- Supportive care for symptoms.
- Isolation and other infection-prevention techniques.
- Medical care for respiratory issues or severe sickness.
- Testing and monitoring of those exposed.
Antiviral medication may be used to treat avian flu, especially if suggested by healthcare and public health authorities.
Bird Flu vs Seasonal Flu vs COVID-19
| Feature | Bird flu | Seasonal flu | COVID-19 |
| Main cause | Influenza A viruses that mainly circulate in birds | Seasonal influenza viruses | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Main hosts | Mainly birds | Human | Human |
| Human infection | Rare | Common | Common |
| Spread between people | Rare | Common | Common |
| Symptoms | May include flu-like symptoms and conjunctivitis | Fever, cough, aches and tiredness | Fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and other symptoms |
| Diagnosis | Laboratory testing when suspected | May be diagnosed clinically or tested | Testing may be used when appropriate |
| Management | Prescription medication (if clinically appropriate) and supportive care may be used | Self-care and medical management. | Management depends on symptoms and risk |
| Prevention | Avoid contact with infected birds and contaminated materials | Vaccination and hygiene | Vaccination, ventilation and hygiene |
Since many infections can cause similar symptoms, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and any recent exposure to decide if you need a test.
How can you prevent avian flu?
To reduce the risk:
- Avoid handling ill or dead wild birds.
- Keep your distance from wild birds whenever possible.
- Avoid touching bird droppings, feathers, or nests.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with birds or possibly infected surfaces.
- Follow workplace protective equipment guidance when working with birds.
- Avoid live animal markets or poultry farms in areas affected by bird flu.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked chicken or eggs when travelling in areas affected by bird flu.
- Follow local public health advice if you have been exposed to infected birds.
When should you see a doctor for bird flu?
Seek doctor’s appointment for medical advice if:
- You experience flu-like symptoms after having close contact with a sick or potentially contaminated bird.
- You develop conjunctivitis after exposure to a bird or other animals.
- You have been informed that you were exposed to avian flu and show symptoms.
- Your symptoms are worsening.
- You’re concerned about possible exposure.
Note: Some symptoms of respiratory illness or bird flu may require an in-person assessment, physical examination, or diagnostic testing that cannot be performed via telehealth.
Things to know about bird flu
- Bird flu mostly affects birds.
- Human infections are uncommon.
- Close contact with diseased birds or contaminated items may heighten the danger.
- Person-to-person transmission is uncommon.
- Symptoms may mirror seasonal flu.
- Certain bird flu infections can cause conjunctivitis.
- Laboratory testing is used when bird flu is suspected.
- Prescription medications may be used if determined clinically appropriate by a medical practitioner.
- Avoid touching ill or deceased wild birds.
Health Information Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hola Health can assist with consultations, health management and referrals, but is not an emergency service. For medical emergencies, call 000.
