What are symptoms of H5N1 avian flu? Check risks, precautions and other important details

Tamil Nadu has been put on high alert after hundreds of crows were found dead across Chennai last month. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in the dead birds on Friday, signaling the spread of the avian flu in the region. In the wake of the fatalities, health authorities have issued an advisory, warning the general public to avoid touching or handling the dead birds.

Efforts are underway to contain the flu, while the carcasses of crows and poultry are directed to be incinerated or deeply buried in alignment with biosecurity protocols. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry has ordered the Tamil Nadu administration to intensify surveillance and disease-control measures across the region. The sudden death of crows was reported in areas, including Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Pallikaranai, the East Coast Road, and Thiruvanmiyur, news agency IANS reported. The H5N1 flu outbreak in Chennai came after bird flu cases were detected in crows in Bihar’s Naugachia.

What is H5N1 flu?

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain known as a zoonotic potential. This virus primarily infects birds, especially wild birds and poultry. The ‘bird flu’ can spread very quickly among the bird populations, cause illness, and result in fatalities. According to reports, H5N1 flu mostly affects birds but can occasionally or rarely affect people and other animals coming in close contact with infected birds.

H5N1 symptoms and risks

The reported signs and symptoms of ‘bird flu’ in humans vary accordingly, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Respiratory symptoms and fever in people have been reported earlier. Although the possibility of infections in humans due to H5N1 is rare, it may lead to severe illness. Common symptoms of bird blue include mild fever, eye redness or conjunctivitis, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and headaches. However, severe bird flu symptoms may include seizures, high fever, shortness of breath, etc.

Precautions and safety tips to prevent ‘Bird Flu’

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or more after touching animals, particularly birds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching body parts, including eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Avoid drinking pink juices and eating runny yolks.

• Avoid going to poultry markets

• Eat fruits rich in vitamin C, and stay hydrated.

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