By now, you’ve likely heard about bird flu (or H5N1), a virus that is spreading in wild birds, poultry, dairy cows and – in rare instances – humans. In the United States this year, there have been four human cases of bird flu documented in Colorado, Michigan and Texas; all of which were among dairy farm workers who were exposed to infected cows.
“These human cases of bird flu are the first mammal-to-human transmissions,” says Anita Shallal, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Henry Ford Health. “Usually, H5 influenza passes from birds to humans. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the risk to the general public is low.” Here, Dr. Shallal shares what to know about bird flu.
Q: What are symptoms of bird flu?
A: Symptoms of bird flu in humans include conjunctivitis, which is how three human cases of bird flu manifested, along with respiratory illness, which is how a fourth case of bird flu manifested. “While we have too few human cases to know other common symptoms, they could include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, eye redness or irritation, headaches, body aches, fever, stuffy nose, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea,” says Dr. Shallal. “Luckily, there haven’t been any hospitalizations.”
Q: How can you protect yourself from bird flu?
A: Those who work in close proximity to animals (and animal stools) that could be infected should wear personal protective equipment and, as the CDC recommends, monitor their health for 10 days afterward. “Everyone should avoid exposure (or unprotected exposure) to sick or dead animals – especially wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds and wild or domesticated cows and other animals,” says Dr. Shallal. “You can report sick or dead animals by calling the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.”
Q: Can you eat poultry, beef and cows?
A: Avoid drinking raw milk and eating raw beef and poultry. Drinking pasteurized milk and eating thoroughly cooked poultry and beef should not be an issue, as the cooking and pasteurization process should kill any virus.
Q: Is there a danger that bird flu could turn into a pandemic?
A: Right now, the risk is low – especially as there haven’t been any cases of human-to-human transmission. But the CDC continues to monitor the situation should anything change.
Q: Could someone develop a serious case of bird flu?
A: So far, only one person has developed respiratory distress and has recovered. “But that doesn’t mean that someone can’t develop a serious case of bird flu,” says Dr. Shallal. “People who have compromised immune systems are at most risk for serious illness.”
Q: What should you do if you’ve been exposed to bird flu?
A: Symptoms can manifest within seven to 14 days of exposure and the CDC recommends isolating for 10 days. “Contact your local or state public health department to get help with testing and monitoring your symptoms,” says Dr. Shallal. “If you do have bird flu, you may be prescribed an antiviral drug, which works best when started as soon as symptoms develop.”
While not available yet, the U.S. government is also working on developing vaccines for bird flu, should they become needed. (Current seasonal flu vaccines are not effective against H5N1 bird flu.) For more information about bird flu, visit cdc.gov.
Reviewed by Anita Shallal, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and internal medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
