The bird flu, originating from the avian influenza type A virus that attacks birds, has spread across various countries in the world. Although the virus initially only attacked birds, humans can also contract it through infected birds. Human infection can occur through direct contact with bird feces containing the virus or by inhaling virus-contaminated air. This outbreak is quite dangerous to health because it can cause several other diseases. Here are some of the diseases whose risk of occurrence increases due to bird flu!
5 Diseases Caused by Bird Flu
Not only does bird flu cause losses to farmers due to birds infected with the virus, but it can also have negative effects on humans. The symptoms of this virus can be mild, such as fever, headache, body aches, and stomach pain.
In addition to mild symptoms, there is also a possibility of serious health complications, such as:
Pneumonia
In certain cases, patients complain of chest pain that gradually occurs along with shortness of breath and a decrease in oxygen levels in the body. These symptoms are signs of pneumonia.
Pneumonia or wet lungs is one of the complications that can occur due to the virus entering the body. If this happens, the patient must use a breathing aid to add oxygen.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a secondary disease that can occur after a patient has pneumonia. This disease is a complication that occurs when the body tries to fight infection.
First, the body will produce chemical compounds in response to bacteria. Then, the chemical compounds will cause changes in organ function. If complications occur at this stage, organs can be damaged entirely. Doctors must provide treatment as soon as possible to avoid organ failure.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS is a disease that attacks the lungs. This disease usually occurs due to pneumonia, which triggers inflammation of the lungs due to infection or injury.
This inflammation will cause fluid in the blood vessels to enter the air pockets inside the lungs.
Organ Failure
If the virus has spread to various parts of the body, organ failure can occur simultaneously. Common types of organ dysfunction include kidney dysfunction, lung dysfunction, heart dysfunction, and pneumothorax. This can occur if the patient is in the acute stage of bird flu.
Death
This disease is one of the diseases that can cause death. Data shows that from 2003-2023, there were 868 cases worldwide, of which 457 cases ended in death.
How to Anticipate the Dangers of Bird Flu
According to recent research, the latest subtype of bird flu, H5N8, shows a faster spread and a greater risk to humans. Fortunately, this virus cannot be transmitted through human-to-human contact. Therefore, only those who have close contact with birds are at risk of being infected.
However, it is still important to remain vigilant about the danger of this epidemic. Here are some ways to prevent and manage bird flu:
Stamp out infected birds
When you find out that birds are infected with bird flu, immediately disinfect the cage. Additionally, all birds in the cage need to be stamped out.
This step, known as stamping out, involves the eradication of infected birds and potentially infected birds in the same environment. This is necessary to minimize the potential for the virus to spread to humans.
Maintain personal hygiene
Washing hands with running water and soap is essential after interacting with birds. Also, make sure to wash your hands properly.
In addition, you should maintain a healthy diet. Consume food according to nutritional needs. Moreover, if you consume birds such as chicken or duck, make sure they are fully cooked and not raw.
If you experience symptoms of bird flu, a doctor can help you. The doctor will ask about recent travel history and contact with birds. After that, there will be several tests that the doctor can perform to confirm the virus transmission.
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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