Bird flu

The avian bird flu virus has attracted tremendous interest and media attention in recent months. Avian influenza, or “bird flu” is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds. The first case of bird flu was reported in1997, during an outbreak of flu in poultry in Hong Kong.

Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Although bird flu is a serious matter but it is not a reason to panic. Normally it’s only the birds that have been hit with the H51N1 virus.

Symptoms

Most often, signs and symptoms of bird flu resemble those of conventional influenza, including:

• Fever
• Cough 
• Sore throat 
• Muscle aches

Some life threatening complications may also develop in people with blood flu

• Acute respiratory distress, the most dangerous symptom of blood
• Viral pneumonia

Myth vs. Fact

As with every other disease scare, bird flu has generated its own set of myths.

Myth: Immediately stop eating chicken and eggs.

Fact: Actually, No. Experts say that if chicken is well cooked, it is perfectly safe to eat. Raw meat and raw eggs should be completely avoided, however. So far, there are no known cases of the H5N1 virus spreading through eating.

Myth: Tamiflu is a good cure of blood flu while suffering from respiratory or lung trouble and muscle ache

Fact: Certainly not! Tamiflu or Oseltamivir is an anti-viral drug. It is thought to increase resistance to the flu virus, but it would not necessarily work as a preventive medicine. It should never be taken without prescription.

Myth: Antibiotics should be taken to protect myself

Fact: Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. This strain of bird flu is caused by the H5N1 virus, so antibiotics won’t help.

Myth: There’s nothing to worry about. It’s not a big deal

Fact: On the contrary, it is a big deal, as scientists are worried that the H5N1 virus may mutate and combine with the regular human flu virus, possibly creating a highly contagious new strain.

Myth: Bird flu can spread among people

Fact: So far there have been a few cases of possible human-to-human transmission of the virus, including a suspected case of a mother and her daughter in Thailand. But more investigation is needed.

Myth: One should stay away from chickens.

Fact: It would be safest to avoid having anything to do with slaughtering and de-feathering chickens. Those who are exposed to these activities are thought to be most at risk. Even when cooking and cleaning chicken, remember to follow norms of hygiene – wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

Inputs– Dr. Ashutosh Shukla, consultant internal medicine, Artemis Health Institute

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