Bird Flu

Overview

Bird flu is a viral infection that usually spreads among wild birds, chickens, turkeys, and other birds. It is caused by a flu virus that normally does not infect people. But in rare cases, people who have very close contact with infected birds or their droppings can catch it. The virus can cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia).

Bird flu outbreaks happen in birds every year, but human cases are rare. Only a small number of people have caught bird flu worldwide.

People who work on poultry farms, handle live birds, cull infected flocks, or visit live animal markets are at higher risk. It can also affect hunters and people who handle raw wild birds.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever
• Cough (usually dry)
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches and headache
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Watery diarrhea

Symptoms in children

• Fever and cough, sometimes with noisy breathing
• Sore throat and reduced appetite
• Vomiting or tummy pain
• Being less active or unusually sleepy
• Ear pain or red, watery eyes

Symptoms in older adults

• High fever with chills and shaking
• Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
• Feeling confused or very weak
• Dizziness and trouble keeping balance
• Worsening of existing heart or lung conditions

Causes

Main causes

• The bird flu virus is carried in the saliva, mucus, and droppings of infected birds.
• You can catch it if you breathe in dust from dried bird droppings.
• You can also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Handling raw infected poultry meat or eggs (and not washing hands afterward) is another way the virus can pass to humans.

Risk factors

• Working with poultry, wild birds, or in live animal markets
• Handling dead birds or infected flocks
• Living in an area where bird flu outbreaks are happening
• Traveling to countries with active bird flu outbreaks
• Having a weakened immune system, being older, or being pregnant

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have fever, cough, or trouble breathing AND you've been in close contact with birds or a bird flu outbreak area, see a doctor the same day.
• If your symptoms are getting worse quickly, call your doctor or local health service right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild cold-like symptoms and you are worried about possible bird flu exposure, make an appointment to get checked.
• If symptoms last longer than a week without improving, see your GP.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and whether you have been around birds or poultry. They will also listen to your chest and check your oxygen level. The only way to confirm bird flu is with a laboratory test.

Tests that may be done

• A swab from your nose and throat (a small cotton bud) to check for the virus
• A blood test to look for antibodies or viral particles
• A chest X-ray if the doctor thinks you may have pneumonia

What to expect at your appointment

The swab test may take a few days to come back. If bird flu is likely, your doctor may start treatment before the result arrives. You may be asked to stay at home in isolation while waiting, to avoid spreading the virus.

Treatment

The main treatment for bird flu is antiviral medicine, which works best when started as early as possible. If the illness becomes severe, hospital care is needed for oxygen and fluids.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest and sleep
• Drink lots of fluids (water, clear soup) to stay hydrated
• Use a cool damp cloth to bring down fever
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw it away immediately
• Stay home and avoid close contact with others until a doctor says it's safe

Medical treatments

Antiviral medications can help stop the virus from multiplying and are most effective when given early. You may also need pain and fever relief (ask your doctor or pharmacist). In hospital, treatments include oxygen, fluids through a drip, and breathing support if your lungs are severely affected.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat bird flu. In very rare cases, if a lung infection leads to complications, a procedure may be needed to drain fluid, but this is decided by a hospital specialist.

Living with this condition

During recovery, take it slow. Rest until your fever goes away and your cough improves. Avoid heavy activity until you feel back to normal. Monitor your temperature and watch for any new symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your hands clean and use hand sanitiser when out
• Avoid touching live birds or visiting bird markets while recovering
• If you care for someone with bird flu, wear gloves and a mask if possible
• Do not share cups, cutlery, or towels
• Keep your home well ventilated

Diet and exercise

Eat a light but balanced diet — soups, porridge, fruit, and vegetables. If swallowing hurts, choose soft foods. Start gentle walking only when your energy returns, and gradually increase activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with bird flu can be frightening and can make you feel anxious or isolated. It is completely normal to worry. Talk to your doctor, a counsellor, or a mental health support line if you are struggling.

Prevention

Yes, the risk can be greatly reduced. Avoid touching sick or dead birds, do not visit live bird markets in outbreak areas, wash your hands after handling raw poultry or eggs, and cook all poultry products well. If you work with poultry, always wear gloves, masks, and goggles as recommended.

Vaccines

There is no routine vaccine for bird flu available for the public in most countries. However, a seasonal flu vaccine is still recommended because it helps protect against other flu viruses and reduces the chance of becoming infected with two flu strains at the same time.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for bird flu in healthy people. Testing is done when someone has symptoms and a history of exposure to infected birds or infected environments.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) — when the lungs fail to supply enough oxygen to the body
• Organ failure (such as kidney or heart failure)
• Sepsis — a life-threatening whole-body reaction to infection
• Death (in severe cases, but this is uncommon with early medical care)

Long-term outlook

Most people who catch bird flu recover if they get medical help quickly. The chances of a full recovery are much higher with early treatment. Even people who are very ill can improve with hospital support, though recovery may take several weeks. Health researchers are constantly monitoring bird flu to improve treatments and vaccines.

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