~ Authored by Dr Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital ~

Bird Flu have been detected in Shahapur, following the death of around 100 birds at a poultry farm in Vehloli village on February 18, 2022. Samples collected from these birds were sent for testing and the results confirmed that they had died due to H5N1 Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu. At least 15,600 broiler birds had been culled in Shahapur to comply with the standard operating procedure until Friday morning.

With all this news floating, the biggest scare looms are how much we should worry about the Avian Flu? And how much can this flu impact humans? Here are the answers to your questions.

WHAT IS BIRD OR AVIAN FLU? Avian Influenza is a disease caused by infection with Avian (bird) Influenza (flu) Type A viruses. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it generally occurs among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry, other birds, and animals. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), H5N8, H5N5 and H5N1, with H5N8, are the most commonly reported flu viruses among birds.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT HUMANS? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Avian Flu viruses do not usually infect human beings, and such an infection is rare. Only sporadic cases have been reported since 2015, according to Mayo Clinic. However, if it does infect a person, the illness is generally mild; some patients may require ICU care. It is very rare to have human to human transmission of the same. Between 2003 to 2019, the WHO confirmed 861 human cases of H5N1 worldwide, of which 455 deaths were recorded, although not from India.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BIRD FLU AMONG HUMANS? Some common symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and shortness of breath. People who catch Bird Flu may develop life-threatening complications, including Pneumonia, Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis), respiratory failure, Kidney dysfunction and Heart problems.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR? See your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, cough, or body ache, and have recently traveled to a part of the city/ state where Bird Flu has been reported. Be sure to let your doctor know if you visited any farms or open-air meat markets.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRACT THE BIRD FLU VIRUS? People can contract the Bird Flu virus through close contact with birds or bird droppings. Some people have caught the virus from cleaning or plucking infected birds. It is also possible that people can contract the virus while swimming or bathing in water contaminated with the droppings of infected birds.

SHOULD WE STOP EATING POULTRY PRODUCTS LIKE CHICKEN AND EGGS? Chicken and other poultry are safe to eat if cooked properly, according to a joint statement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued to national food safety authorities. However, the sources said that no birds from flocks with the disease should enter the food chain. Below are some good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of the Avian virus.

• Avoid cross-contamination
• Wear gloves while cleaning and prepping the chicken meat
• Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry
• Cook well – Cook chicken until the juices run clear (minimum 30mins) and reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 F (74C)
• Stay clear of raw eggs: avoid foods containing raw or undercooked eggs because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings
• If you plan on eating at a restaurant or hope to order-in from your favorite restaurant, and if your order contains chicken & egg, try, and ask for quality checks beforehand & make sure that the food is well cooked
• Choose precut or frozen chicken for household consumption; if you are buying fresh cut Chicken keep it refrigerated until ready to cook