How deadly is the bird flu?

Bird flu can quickly progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, a serious lung problem that can be deadly. For the people who die from bird flu, the average length of time from the start of symptoms until death is 9 to 10 days.

Are there any cases of bird flu in humans?

States like Rajasthan, Kerala, and now Uttar Pradesh have reported cases, and are on high alert. Experts have confirmed that the bird flu or avian influenza can spread to humans from birds. People are now worried about how dangerous the viral infection is, and if the virus can be fatal in any way.

How is the avian flu contagious to humans?

Avian influenza is a viral disease that is contagious and can spread from one bird to other birds and animals. Many birds die due to this disease. It can also be transmitted to humans. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.

What are the early symptoms of bird flu?

Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal (tummy) pain, chest pain, and bleeding from the nose and gums have also been reported as early symptoms in some people. These symptoms can come on suddenly. The time from infection to the start of symptoms (incubation period) is usually three to five days, although in some cases it can be up to seven days.

Is it safe to eat poultry with bird flu?

Bird flu isn’t transmitted through cooked food. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat in areas that have experienced outbreaks of bird flu. According to the NHS no humans have recently been infected with bird flu in the county, or even the rest of the UK recently.

How does Bird Flu effect humans?

When a person contracts bird flu, symptoms mimic human influenza complaints, including cough, muscle aches, fever, and sore throat, but the infection might worsen and cause pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and even death. In documented cases of human infection with H5N1, half of those infected have died.

What is the treatment for bird flu in humans?

Bird Flu Treatment. Bird flu in humans is typically treated with one of a few antiviral medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir), peramivir, and zanamivir, which reduce the viruses’ ability to replicate.

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

Signs and symptoms of bird flu may begin within two to eight days of infection, depending on the type. In most cases, they resemble those of conventional influenza, including: Cough. Fever. Sore throat. Muscle aches. Headache. Shortness of breath.

Is bird flu a virus?

Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu.