What is bird flu?
Bird flu is an infection caused by a certain type of avian influenza virus mostly found in wild birds. There are many types of bird flu, such as the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. Most of the time, wild birds don't get sick from the virus. But wild birds can easily pass the virus to birds that are being raised for food, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The virus can cause them to get very sick. In some cases, bird flu can infect other animals, such as cows.
Usually bird flu virus is not passed from birds to people. But some people have become very sick with bird flu. Most of these infections occur in people who have had close contact with infected animals.
How is it spread?
Bird flu is caused by a type of avian influenza virus. After a wild bird infects a farm-raised bird, the virus can easily and quickly spread among hundreds or thousands of birds. Sick birds must then be killed to stop the virus from spreading. In some cases, bird flu can infect other animals, such as cows.
People who come into contact with sick chickens, ducks, turkeys, or other animals are more likely to get the virus. Bird flu virus can be passed through bird droppings and saliva on surfaces such as cages, tractors, and other farm equipment. It may also be passed through raw milk from infected cows.
Most people don't need to worry about getting sick with bird flu virus. You cannot get bird flu from eating fully cooked chicken, turkey, or duck, because heat kills the virus. Pasteurization kills viruses in milk. Avoid consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk and dairy products.
Rarely is bird flu passed from one person to another person.
What happens
Some bird flu viruses can make people sicker than other kinds of flu viruses.
Experts worry because the bird flu virus is so different from other flu viruses that our bodies don't have immunity against it. Not having immunity means that our bodies have a hard time fighting the virus. It also means that anyone, including those who are otherwise very healthy, can get seriously ill if they get bird flu.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Mild symptoms of bird flu may include:
- A fever.
- A cough.
- A sore throat.
- A runny or stuffy nose.
- Muscle aches.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- An eye infection (conjunctivitis).
Bird flu can quickly progress to serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing, seizures, or a change in consciousness.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and past health. The doctor will also ask where you live, where you've traveled recently, and if you have been near any birds. You may have blood tests, nasal swabs, or other tests.
How is bird flu treated?
How bird flu is treated depends on what the virus is doing to your body. In some cases, antiviral medicines may help you feel better, especially when you start taking them as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
If you have bird flu, you will stay in an isolation room to reduce the chances of spreading the virus to others. Your healthcare team will wear gloves and gowns. Some people who have bird flu may need a machine called a ventilator to help them breathe better. Other people may need a machine to help their kidneys work better (dialysis).
Where can you find the latest information?
These organizations are studying and keeping track of bird flu, including what is being done to prevent its spread. Their websites have the most up-to-date information about bird flu:
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Go to www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu to learn more.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Go to https://www.who.int/health-topics/influenza-avian-and-other-zoonotic to learn more.
