Health officials in the United States have so far confirmed 55 cases of humans testing positive for H5N1 bird flu, including 29 in California alone. The latest infection was detected in a child from Alameda County, who has no known contact with infected animals.
While officials for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the risk of a spread to the general public is low, it is important to learn how avian flu spreads and how to keep your family protected from getting sick. Here's a quick guide.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus that mostly affects birds, like chickens and ducks. Some types of bird flu can spread to people, especially if they touch sick birds or their droppings. Humans can also get infected with bird flu if they breathe it from small dust particles in animal habitats. The H5N1 bird flu is one of those types.
When people get bird flu, they may feel like they have a bad cold or flu. Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, and pink eye.
In some cases, bird flu can cause more severe illnesses, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, sepsis, brain swelling, and respiratory failure, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Read Also: California Health Officials Identify Possible Human Infection of Bird Flu in Child, Source Unknown
Can You Get Bird Flu From Infected Products?
The risk of contracting bird flu by eating or drinking infected products is extremely low, but not entirely zero. For instance, consuming poultry or eggs cooked at or above 165 degrees Fahrenheit does not pose a risk of infection.
While rare, there is a slight possibility of exposure to bird flu through undercooked poultry or eggs, and raw dairy products from animals infected with H5N1. That said, dairy products that have been pasteurized do not pose a risk of infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How To Stay Protected
There are easy ways to stay safe from bird flu. For starters, avoid touching wild birds, especially if you see one that's sick or dead. Instead, contact local animal control. Regular and proper handwashing with soap and water can also help prevent infections.
If you're visiting a farm or a place with many birds and cattle, wear a mask to keep the virus away.
