We have all heard about "bird flu" in the newspaper, on TV, or on the Internet at various times, right? When we hear about a bird flu epidemic in a foreign country, we also feel a little scared. "Will this come to our country too?", "Is it dangerous to eat chicken and eggs now?" It is normal for questions to come to mind. So today, let's talk about this bird flu, or medically known as `(Avian Influenza)`, in simple terms. The most important thing is not to be unnecessarily afraid of this, but to be aware.
Simply put, what is this bird flu?
Bird flu is a viral infection that spreads among birds. It is similar to the flu that we get. It is caused by a virus called Influenza A. Migratory birds, especially wild ducks and geese, are the natural carriers of this virus. These wild birds can then transmit the disease to domestic birds, such as chickens and turkeys.
Importantly, bird flu is not a disease that spreads easily between people . It is primarily a threat to birds. Cases of infection in humans have been reported very rarely. Even in such cases, the infected person was someone who had close contact with sick birds. For example, someone who worked on an infected poultry farm. Although several dairy cows and related workers in the United States recently became infected with this strain, called H5N1, there have been no reports of human-to-human transmission.
That means that if you live a normal life, the risk of contracting bird flu is very low. Don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
The symptoms of this disease vary between birds and humans. Birds can sometimes die suddenly without showing any symptoms. In humans, respiratory symptoms are the most common.
Let's clearly separate these characteristics.
| Symptoms of birds and animals | Symptoms in humans |
|---|---|
| Initial, mild symptoms:
If the disease worsens:
|
Are pets at risk?
It is very unlikely that your dog or cat will get bird flu. To do so, they would have to eat a dead bird that was infected with the virus. So there is no need to worry about this. However, if your pet has unusual symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or swollen eyes, it is best to see a veterinarian immediately.
How do people get this disease?
As mentioned earlier, for humans to contract this, they must have very close contact with an infected bird.
- Direct contact with secretions such as saliva, mucus, or feces of an infected bird.
- In the environment where birds live, particles such as dry feces containing the virus accumulate in the air and are inhaled.
- Cleaning or preparing infected birds for meat (but not from well-cooked meat).
Remember the most important thing:
Eating fully cooked chicken or eggs will not spread bird flu. Heat completely kills the virus. So you can eat chicken and eggs as usual without fear. However, eating raw or undercooked chicken or eggs is risky.
Also, avoid drinking unpasteurized/raw milk. This is because the virus has recently been found in milk from infected cows in the United States. The safest way is to consume pasteurized milk and dairy products.
How can we protect ourselves and what should we do?
There are a few simple steps we can follow to protect ourselves from this.
Preventive measures
- Do not approach or touch wild birds that appear sick or dead. This is very important. Teach this to your children as well.
- If you keep animals like chickens, make sure to keep your animals away from wild birds . Keep chicken coops clean.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals, poultry, or eggs, and before and after cooking.
- Always cook chicken and eggs thoroughly. Avoid undercooked meat or raw eggs (e.g., those used in some salads).
- If you have symptoms such as fever and cough and have recently been in contact with sick birds, see your doctor immediately . Don't forget to tell your doctor that you have been in contact with birds.
Is there any treatment?
Yes. If avian influenza is suspected, the doctor will take a swab from the nose or throat for testing. If the disease is confirmed, it is best to start treatment within the first 48 days of the onset of symptoms. For this, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
However, do not take these medications on your own. Always seek treatment only under medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Bird flu is a disease that mainly affects birds. Spread to humans is very rare.
- For a human to become infected, very close contact with a sick bird is required.
- It is 100% safe to eat well-cooked chicken and eggs.
- Do not handle sick or dead birds. Also, inform the relevant authorities, such as the local veterinary office.
- If you have flu-like symptoms and have recently been in contact with sick birds, see a doctor immediately.
- We can easily protect ourselves from this risk by not being unnecessarily afraid, knowing the correct information, and following simple hygiene practices.
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