Avian influenza is a disease caused by the H5N1 influenza virus that rarely affects humans, even when it occurs, can cause symptoms similar to those of common influenza, such as fever, sore throat, general discomfort, dryness and phlegm. Flu can cause more serious complications, such as shortness of breath, pneumonia or bleeding.
This type of influenza is not transmitted from person to person, it is transmitted mainly through the contact of a person with birds contaminated with the virus, as well as by the consumption of meat from contaminated hens, chickens or parasites, therefore, to prevent the appearance of avian influenza, measures such as cooking chicken meat before eating it and avoid contact with any type of bird , as pigeons, for example, are necessary.
- Symptoms of human avian influenza appear about 2 to 8 days after contact with meat ingestion of certain type of infected bird; The first signs are similar to those of a common flu and appear suddenly:.
Irritated throat;
High temperature, above 38 degrees Celsius;
Pain in the body
General Discomfort;
Dried toast;
Chills;
Weakness;
Starlings and nasal discharge;
Abdominal pain.
In addition, the nose could bleed and the diagnosis was confirmed by the doctor by blood tests and nasal samples, which consist of collecting secretions from the nose to confirm the type of virus that causes the infection.
Treatment of avian influenza should be indicated by a family doctor and involves the use of painkillers, analgesics, antipyretics to control fever and in case of vomiting, anti-nausea medications or receiving intravenous fluids for hydration may be recommended. more information about certain medications indicated to treat nausea and vomiting.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, and these may be oseltamivir and zanamivir, which are used to help your body fight the avian influenza virus. Antibiotics are not indicated for this type of disease because avian influenza is caused by viruses and not bacteria.
Influenza has a cure, even when transmitted to humans and causes severe cases that require immediate hospital care, so if you know you have been infected with this disease, it is important that you go to medical service as soon as possible. Possible.
After becoming infected with the avian influenza virus, the person will likely develop the simplest form, such as a common flu, however, complications such as shortness of breath or pneumonia, such as what is known as the symptom of pneumonia, may occur.
People who may have major complications in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, as their bodies take longer to react and fight the virus. In addition, in case of contagion, they should remain hospitalized for the most appropriate treatment in the hospital.
Transmission of the influenza virus to humans is rare, although it can occur through contact with feathers, urine of a certain type of infected bird, or even by inhaling the octopus contained in small particles of animal secretions or ingesting contaminated poultry meat that can cause this type. influenza.
Likewise, the transmission from one person to another in the common, inhabiting some cases in this situation, however, this virus can undergo mutations and be transmitted from one person to another by contact with secretions or drops of starlings and cough.
To prevent the flu, you need certain measures, such as
If there is a suspicion that an animal is contaminated, if there are too few birds, contact health care for analysis.