As bird flu concern spreads, how to stay safe

New cases of bird flu are being recorded. Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, infectious diseases consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, explains why we need to be concerned about avian flu in India.

The avian flu concern: Bird flu is usually limited to birds, and human transmission has been rare. These flu viruses have a tendency to change their own genetic make-up to become sturdier and more transmissible from one species to another. In that process, they have started to transmit to humans. There is nothing to panic but it is certainly something to be concerned about.

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Ways of transmission: Bird flu can spread in various ways. For example, many in rural India prefer consuming unpasteurised milk, which may be contaminated with flu viruses, because of its better taste. Basic pasteurisation can help prevent bird flu transmission to humans. Strains can spread through consumption of poultry—eggs or eating chicken. So food must be completely cooked. We need to stop transmission at the level of the birds itself—so a sick hen should be culled or isolated.

Undiagnosed bird flu can turn severe: Avian influenza infection can do the damage based on a person’s immunity and improper treatment. Initially, the symptoms are like regular flu—runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, some chest congestion. However, air pollution makes these symptoms quite common anyway. So if not diagnosed in time, bird flu infection can cause pneumonia and even turn critical.

Flu vaccines offer protection: Vaccination is important in the fight against the flu. Flu vaccines are also available in nasal form. Consult your doctor before taking the shot.

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Published By: Arunima Jha Published On: Jun 24, 2024