Bird flu has once again become a global concern due to its widespread spread. The type A avian influenza virus that causes bird flu originates from birds, but humans can become infected through contact with infected birds. This outbreak is quite dangerous because it can cause various other dangerous diseases that threaten human health.
5 Dangers of Bird Flu That You Should Be Aware Of
Here are 5 dangers of bird flu that you should be aware of:
Mild Symptoms
Bird flu can cause mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and stomach pain. Although the symptoms are mild, they should still be monitored because this virus can cause more serious health complications.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia or wet lungs is one of the complications that can occur due to the bird flu virus. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, shortness of breath, and decreased oxygen levels in the body. If pneumonia occurs, the patient must use respiratory assistance devices to add oxygen.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a secondary disease that can occur after the patient experiences pneumonia. This disease occurs when the body tries to fight off infection. If complications occur, organs can be completely damaged and require early medical treatment.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS is a disease that attacks the lungs and often occurs due to pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs due to infection or injury causes fluid in the blood vessels to enter the air sacs in the lungs.
Organ Failure and Death
If the virus has spread throughout the body, organ failure can occur simultaneously. Some types of organ failure that often occur are kidney dysfunction, lung disorders, heart disorders, and pneumothorax. Bird flu can cause death, and data shows that there have been 868 cases worldwide from 2003-2023, with 457 cases ending in death.
Anticipating the Dangers of Bird Flu: Preventing and Dealing with It
In recent research, the H5N8 bird flu subtype has shown faster spread and greater risk to humans. Although this virus is not contagious among humans, people who have close contact with birds are at risk of contracting it. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and take preventative measures. Here are some ways to anticipate the dangers of bird flu:
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1. Stamping Out
If you find birds infected with bird flu, immediately disinfect the cages and stamp out all birds in the area that may be infected. Stamping out is the act of eliminating all birds that have the potential to be infected in the same environment, thereby minimizing the risk of virus transmission to humans.
2. Maintain Personal Hygiene
Washing hands with running water and soap is the most important thing to do after interacting with birds. Also, make sure that your hand washing method is correct and good. In addition, maintain a healthy diet by consuming foods that meet nutritional needs. Don't forget to cook birds properly, so they are not raw and safe to consume.
3. Consult a Doctor
If you experience bird flu symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will ask about your travel history and contact history with birds, then perform several tests to confirm the virus transmission.
By taking the right preventative measures, we can anticipate the dangers of bird flu and maintain our own and our family's health. Stay vigilant and don't hesitate to consult a doctor if needed.
References:
- NHS. Accessed 2023. Bird Flu
- Science. Accessed 2023. Emerging H5N8 avian influenza viruses
- NHS. Accessed 2023. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Ministry of Health. Accessed 2023. Pneumonia
- The Guardian. Accessed 2023. WHO says avian flu cases in humans ‘worrying’ after girl’s death in Cambodia
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