Humans and Avian Flu: Key Points to Know

Transmission Risk Credit Image: google.com Humans can contract avian flu through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.

[{"selector":"#anim-039ec48a-f18d-4fe0-ab2d-59bbf4ec8ae0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Similar to seasonal flu symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-c817d3ce-d297-419e-bc44-fecf0cbc7467 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Avian flu can range from mild illness to severe respiratory distress and even death. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-805ffc85-9759-4a09-8328-953e9fb9b37f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Certain populations, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe complications. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-206cb48b-6a63-410e-8501-0e5bd33c31e9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Some strains of avian flu have the potential to cause global pandemics if they mutate to become easily transmissible between humans. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-86b1fd16-7e5f-4d3f-a5f2-523ed6b9eee1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Proper hygiene, such as handwashing and avoiding contact with sick birds, can help reduce the risk of transmission. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-45cd7bcf-661b-439b-ac93-f3d860a127aa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Vaccines are available for some strains of avian flu, particularly for poultry workers and those at high risk of exposure. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-b81331ad-21d9-4d29-a634-3f655e744da2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.178571440307358%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat avian flu and reduce the severity of symptoms. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-f623db4f-f8d4-4749-80b4-7cb2dcdce7de [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Monitoring avian flu outbreaks in both birds and humans is crucial for early detection and response. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-1438c4b0-85fd-47fd-bc2f-c0206084b762 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Travelers to regions with known avian flu outbreaks should take precautions to avoid contact with poultry and birds. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-bf22b5e9-0ea0-4466-90e4-a1027a48e1c4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Collaborative efforts between human and animal health sectors are essential for preventing and controlling avian flu outbreaks. Credit Image: google.com

[{"selector":"#anim-32ee008e-2fcf-42aa-81aa-3451c7ccd2b3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Keeping up-to-date with information from reliable sources can help individuals and communities respond effectively to the threat of avian flu. Credit Image: google.com Learn more