By Dr. Alwyn Rapose
Division of Infectious Diseases
Chances are, you have heard about how the H5N1 avian flu virus is affecting poultry and other animals in the country. Fortunately, most of us don’t need to be too concerned about this virus at this time. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes the overall risk to the public is currently low. However, viruses such as H5N1 can change over time and become more dangerous. This is why health experts are keeping a watchful eye.
Avian influenza is common in wild birds. What is less common is for the virus to infect poultry being raised for food as well as other domestic animals. In the present on-going outbreak, the virus has spread quickly on U.S. poultry and dairy farms. A few people who work closely with animals such as farm workers, have also been infected. So far, these infections have only spread from animals to humans, not person-to-person.
Even though it is unlikely you will contract avian bird flu, it is still good to know the symptoms. Symptoms are very similar to other viral infections such as the common cold, human influenza, RSV and COVID-19 including:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Eye redness or discharge
- Fever
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
People infected with avian bird flu can have just a few symptoms or no symptoms at all. Having no symptoms is known as being “asymptomatic.”
How bird flu spreads
Most of the people infected by this virus had close contact with infected or dead animals – such as workers on dairy or poultry farms. Others at risk could include animal care workers, veterinarians, wild bird watchers and hunters.
Taking some simple precautions such as drinking only pasteurized milk and staying away from poultry, livestock, and wild animals can help protect you from the avian flu virus.
Be aware that household pets including dogs, cats and birds, can get infected with this virus. If you have pets that go outdoors, you should take measures to protect them from wild animals and birds. Indoor pets should be fine.
Need more information? You can stay up-to-date on the spread of H5N1 bird flu at this CDC web page.
About Alwyn Rapose, MD
Originally from India, Dr. Alwyn Rapose now enjoys practicing medicine in Massachusetts. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester and liked the experience so much that he stayed on board for another year as Chief Resident. He then completed his Infectious Disease fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.
Dr. Rapose felt that Reliant Medical Group was a good fit...
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