Avian Flu • Viruses also dangerous to humans

Avian influenza mainly affects birds, but some forms can also be dangerous to humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2,300 people have been infected with avian influenza since 2003. The virus mutates over time – depending on the subtype, up to half of those infected die.

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Influenza Viruses: Cause of Infectious Disease

Different subtypes of the influenza A virus can cause the infectious disease. People who have previously suffered from this type of virus have all had close contact with infected domestic or farm poultry and their excretions – for example, when slaughtering poultry or cleaning the barn.

The viruses are present in particularly large numbers in the bird droppings of sick chickens and turkeys. It is believed that the viruses enter the human body when inhaled. Hand hygiene also appears to play a crucial role in avian influenza infection.

Since ducks, swans and geese also often carry the virus, it is advised to keep your distance from these animals in regions with bird flu.

The virus mutates very quickly, so far the following subtypes are known:

• H5N1: Original subtype of avian flu, was most common until 2012

• H5N8: So far it seems to be a less dangerous subtype than H5N1 for humans

• H7N9: According to WHO information, the variant H7N9 of the bird flu pathogen showed signs of adaptation to mammals. In this way, the virus can dock onto the cells of mammals. It also grows at the normal body temperature of mammals.

The risk of becoming infected through poultry meat is estimated to be significantly lower than through direct, intensive contact with sick poultry. In Germany, poultry meat and eggs are considered to be free from bird flu viruses. However, as a precaution, it is recommended to consume poultry meat only well-cooked or well-fried, the same applies to eggs.

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Bird flu symptoms

It usually takes two to five days from infection to the first symptoms, but the incubation period can be up to 14 days. Typical signs of bird flu are high fever, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. In addition, there is often diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting can also occur.

It is typical of bird flu that those affected develop an inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), which can lead to lung failure and death.

Often changes in the blood count in bird flu

The blood count often shows a lack of white blood cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes (leukopenia), erythrocytes (anemia) and thrombocytes (thrombocytopenia). An increase in liver values ​​and a worsening of kidney function up to kidney failure were also observed; ultimately, multiple organ failure can also occur. Many people with avian flu develop pneumonia, and some people have arrhythmias and acute heart failure.

Diagnosing bird flu: examining blood and body fluids

Bird flu has symptoms similar to normal flu. Therefore, the doctor will first ask the person concerned about possible risk factors. If the sick person has come into contact with birds infected with bird flu or their excretions about a week before the onset of the disease, bird flu is likely. Infection through raw or incompletely cooked products from infected poultry is also possible.

There are various laboratory tests available to help determine the condition. The nasopharyngeal mucus, bronchial secretions and the blood are examined. Special procedures help to identify the pathogen yourself. Alternatively, a search is made for H5 antibodies – proof that the bird flu virus has already penetrated and calls the organism to fight back.

Avian flu therapy

In order to prevent further transmission of bird flu, those affected are first isolated. Viral diseases such as avian flu can be treated with anti-virus drugs. Neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir and zanamivir are suitable. In addition, the symptoms that occur are alleviated with, for example, antipyretic medication or medication for a sore throat and cough.

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Can you prevent bird flu?

Since avian flu is primarily transmitted through infected poultry and animal excrement, the following should be avoided in affected regions:

• direct contact with live or dead poultry

• Contact with chicken and turkey droppings

• Visit to bird or poultry markets

It is also advisable to wash or disinfect your hands thoroughly with soap and water – especially before eating.

There is currently no approved vaccine for humans against influenza A viruses of the type H5N1. In order to avoid a simultaneous infection with the normal flu and the bird flu, people at risk should best protect themselves with the flu vaccination.