The bird flu aka avian influenza has knocked in the country amid Coronavirus pandemic. The Central Government has alerted all the states about this. The cases has been confirmed in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. At the same time, after the death of thousands of birds in Haryana, their samples have been sent for investigation.
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However, no human has been affected by it yet. With the onset of winter due to the arrival of foreign migratory birds in the country, the possibility of outbreak of bird flu has been expressed. Many questions are arising in the minds of people about bird flu or avian flu. Like what is this disease? How does it spread? Let us know the answers of few questions which are baffling you.
What is bird flu?
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It is a type of influenza virus. The virus that spreads from one to another bird and is quite contagious. This causes severe respiratory disease in birds. It has many strains, but H5N1 is the most dangerous among all. Cases of this virus are rarely seen in humans. The death rate from this virus is 60 percent.
How does bird flu spread?
Almost all cases of H5N1 infection in humans are associated with exposure to infected living or dead birds, or H5N1-contaminated environments. The virus does not easily infect humans. No evidence has been found so far that if the infected bird is cooked properly, eating it spreads the infection.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
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Symptoms include fever (often high fever) and restlessness, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Initially, abdominal pain, chest pain and diarrhea may also be seen. Further, this infection can cause difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, pneumonia.
How is bird flu treated?
In humans, avian influenza develops as a serious disease in most cases. It should be treated immediately in the hospital. ICU may be required. The antiviral drug oseltamivir is commonly used in its treatment.
Is there any vaccine for bird flu?
Vaccines have been developed to prevent bird flu infection, but they are not ready for widespread use.
Is it safe to consume eggs and chicken during bird flu?
Eggs or chicken can be eaten during bird flu, but it is important to ensure that it is well cooked. Hygiene is also necessary while cooking. Eating cooked chicken and boiled egg does not spread bird flu. It is completely safe.