Aviar flu, also known as Aviar influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects birds, but can occasionally infect humans.
In recent years, the threat of avian flu has drawn attention due to its generalized transmission potential, especially if it mutates in a way that can easily spread among humans.
While there have been avian flu reports that affects people, especially those in close contact with infected birds, the general risk remains relatively low in the United States.
According to Dr. David Hirschwerk, Medical Director of the North Shore University Hospital in Northwell and an assistant doctor of infectious diseases in Manhasset, NY, the risk of transmission from person to person from the avian flu remains minimal.
“So far, no transmission from person to person from an avian influenza in the US has been observed and the risk to public health is still low. However, it is still in our radar,” he said. This highlights the importance of monitoring the virus and staying informed, especially for people most exposed to infected birds, such as poultry workers or those living in regions with outbreaks.
Avian influenza symptoms in humans
Avian influenza infection can vary from mild to serious, according to virus strain. When it occurs, the symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza (flu), but sometimes they can be more serious. Common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Cough
– Sore throat
– Body pains
– Fatigue
– Respiratory difficulty
In severe cases, avian influenza can cause pneumonia, organic insufficiency and even death.
“Human infection can occur through direct contact with infected birds or mammals or the consumption of raw milk or raw egg products,” Hirschwerk explained. This underlines the importance of being careful when handling poultry or other animals that may be carriers of the virus.
Although most cases of avian influenza are related to exposure to infected birds, there have been occasional transmission reports through the consumption of food products that are not cooked or contaminated.
It is also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of avian influenza can overlap those of seasonal flu or other respiratory infections, which makes differentiation difficult without medical tests. If you suspect that you have been exposed to avian influenza, it is essential to seek medical attention to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Avian flu prevention
Avian flu prevention largely implies minimizing exposure to infected birds and animals. If you manipulate birds from Corral Vivas, either for reasons of work or leisure, it is essential to follow strict hygiene practices, which include washing their hands well with soap and water, using protective equipment such as gloves and avoiding direct contact with feces or bird fluids. People living in regions with continuous avian flu shoots must be especially cautious.
Hirschwerk emphasizes that the flu vaccine is a key preventive measure. “It is still the recommendation to receive the flu vaccine this season, especially among the most vulnerable people,” he said. “We are currently at a relatively high point of seasonal flu activity and the vaccine is safe and effective.”
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against avian flu, but helps reduce the risk of contracting seasonal flu, which can help differentiate cases of flu from avian flu and potentially reduce the severity of the disease.
In addition to vaccination, there are other general tips to prevent flu that are essential to limit the spread of seasonal flu and avian flu:
1. Avoid close contact with sick people: If someone presents symptoms similar to those of the flu, stay away from that person to reduce the risk of exposure.
2. Practice good hands: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching animals, surfaces in public places or after coughing or sneezing.
3. Cook the poultry well: To minimize the risk of exposure through food, always make sure that the poultry are cooked at the recommended temperature and avoid eating raw eggs or little cooking birds.
4. Use protection equipment: For those who work with poultry or in environments where there may be avian flu, it is essential to use masks and gloves to reduce the risk.
5. Stay at home if you are sick: If you have symptoms similar to those of the flu, stay at home to avoid infecting other people and consult a medical care provider if you are concerned about exposure to avian flu.
Current perspectives and monitoring
Public health authorities continue to closely monitor cases of avian flu to evaluate possible changes in the virus that could make it more transmissible among humans. As Hirschwerk pointed out, the virus is still being studied to confirm the presence of avian strains.
“In line with public health recommendations, we are sending all positive flu samples to perform more tests to confirm that it is not an avian flu strain,” he said. “Until now, no show that we have sent this flu season has given positive for avian flu.”
This continuous surveillance is essential to ensure that the public remains informed and protected. While the immediate risk that aviar flu spreads widely among humans is low, continuous surveillance and prevention remain essential.
Aviar flu is a viral infection that mainly affects birds, but human infections can occur, particularly in people who have close contact with infected animals or contaminated food products.
Although the transmission from person to person remains unlikely in the US. UU., Public Health experts, such as Hirschwerk, continue to closely monitor the situation. By following preventive measures, such as receiving the flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposure to infected animals, people can reduce the risk of contracting avian flu or other disease -related diseases.
