It is Bird Flu scare now!
Humans do seem under siege by a mob of respiratory viruses. Even before the Corona (Covid 19) viral pandemic has receded, another virus - the Bird flu virus, is rampaging poultry farms killing hens and ducks, and making crows drop dead on streets and sending shivers down human spines.
The Bird Flu or avian influenza virus (H1N5) is a type of Influenza virus that specifically causes infection in birds rather than in humans. The main damage it causes is to the poultry industry…decimating hens and ducks, and hurting poultry and egg sales.
BUT WHY SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?
This virus, has been known to jump from birds to humans too, and causing flu like symptoms, such as running nose, sore throat, cough, fever, muscle pains, headaches and breathlessness. And then it can spread from infected human to another! The symptoms resemble those of human flu or Influenza (H3N2 or A and H1N1 or B). But when Bird flu (H1N5) jumps from birds to humans, it can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If the infection occurs in a person already suffering from COVID or Human Influenza, addition of bird flu can cause a critical down turn.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
It is wise to keep a safe distance from poultry birds. If poultry or eggs are cooked, the virus gets killed and is unlikely to cause human infection, but those handling birds or raw eggs could be at risk. As the virus spreads by droplets or air, wearing masks and washing hands frequently are essential for prevention.
IS THERE A TREATMENT?
The last time it spread to many parts and caused human disease, an antiviral drug called
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) was found useful. Now there are others as well: Zanamivir, Peramivir. They need to be given early for good effect.
SHOULD BIRDS AND POULTRY BE CULLED?
Scientists would say yes and several governments have done it. But on a philosophical note one could ask who gets a chance to decide, birds or humans?
(The Writer’s views are
personal)
IT IS WISE TO KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE FROM POULTRY BIRDS