Bird flu is an infectious disease caused by type A influenza virus which is transmitted by birds to humans. There are many types of vbird flu virus, but only a few can causing infection on man.
Bird flu has plagued Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and some parts of Europe, and caused the death of some sufferers. According to data from the World Health Organization or World Health Organization (WHO), the H5N1 bird flu virus has infected 861 people worldwide and caused the death of 455 people until 2019.
In Indonesia, the first case of infection with the H5N1 bird flu virus in humans appeared in 2005. According to data released by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there were 200 case reports with 168 deaths until 2018.
Please note, the symptoms of bird flu are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of bird flu, see a doctor immediately to confirm the condition. Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Causes of Bird Flu
Bird flu is caused by infection with the type A influenza virus that comes from birds. Most types of bird flu viruses can only attack and infect poultry, both wild and farmed poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and birds. However, there are several types of bird flu viruses that can infect humans, namely H5N1, H5N6, H5N8, and H7N9.
In 2021, the Chinese government also reported that there was transmission of a new type of bird flu virus, namely the H10N3 type.
The bird flu virus can infect humans if there is direct contact with poultry infected with this virus. Some conditions that can increase the risk of being infected with the bird flu virus are:
- Touching infected birds, whether alive or dead
- Touching feces, saliva and mucus, from infected birds
- Inhaling respiratory droplets (droplet) containing viruses
- Eating raw and undercooked infected poultry meat or eggs
Human-to-human transmission is also thought to occur, but the mechanism and mode of transmission is not yet clear. A person is more at risk of being infected with the bird flu virus if he has the following factors:
- Working as a poultry farmer
- Work as a medical team that treats bird flu sufferers
- Have a family member who suffers from bird flu
- Go to areas or places where bird flu infection occurs
- Being in close proximity to infected birds
- Frequent consumption of undercooked poultry meat or eggs
Bird Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of bird flu generally only appear after 3-5 days of exposure to this virus. Symptoms that arise can vary, ranging from mild to severe. Although sometimes people infected with the bird flu virus may not feel any symptoms, in general, people with bird flu will experience symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle ache
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Hard to breathe
In some patients, other symptoms that can also arise include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, chest pain, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). In severe infections, bird flu can even cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure, seizures, and nervous system disorders.
When to go to the doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms of bird flu as mentioned above, especially if these symptoms appear after you visit an area that is experiencing an outbreak of bird flu. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever been to a poultry farm or market.
In some patients who have certain conditions, such as being pregnant, have a weak immune system, or are over 65 years old, bird flu is at risk of causing serious complications and even death. If you have these conditions and experience symptoms of bird flu, immediately consult a doctor.
Avian Flu Diagnosis
The doctor will take a history or ask questions about the patient's complaints and symptoms, as well as the patient's medical history, travel history, and recent activities.
Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination which includes checking vital signs (body temperature, blood pressure, pulse check, respiratory rate) and a chest examination.
If the doctor suspects a patient has bird flu, further tests will be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. The inspection includes:
- Culture swab (wipe) the nose and throat, to check for viruses in the nose or throat
- PCR test, to determine the presence of the virus that causes bird flu
- Chest X-ray, to get a picture of the condition of the lungs
- Blood test, to determine the level of white blood cells that function to fight infection in the body
Bird Flu Treatment
Treatment for bird flu can vary, depending on the symptoms experienced. Patients who have been proven to have bird flu will usually be treated in an isolation room at the hospital to prevent transmission with other patients.
Antiviral drugs are the main drugs used to treat bird flu. Some of the antiviral drugs that are usually given are oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Antiviral drugs can relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and increase the patient's chances of recovery. This medicine needs to be taken as soon as 2 days after symptoms appear.
In addition to treatment, oseltamivir and zanamivir can also be used as drugs to prevent bird flu. Therefore, this drug is sometimes given to people who have direct contact with patients, such as medical workers who treat patients and family members and relatives of patients.
If the patient has severe breathing problems, including hypoxaemia, the doctor will install a breathing apparatus and a ventilator to help deal with it.
Bird Flu Complications
Some of the complications that can be experienced by bird flu sufferers are:
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Multiorgan failure, eg heart failure and kidney failure
- Death
Bird Flu Prevention
The best way to prevent bird flu infection is to prevent transmission. Some things that can be done are:
- Avoid direct contact with poultry
- Avoid direct contact with sick people
- Apply cough etiquette, namely by covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or folding the elbows when coughing or sneezing
- Maintain cleanliness and wash hands regularly
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth before washing your hands
- Do not eat undercooked poultry meat or eggs
- Doing self-isolation when you have a fever or mild flu symptoms, to prevent transmission of the virus to people around you
- Not visiting areas or places where bird flu outbreaks occur
Until now, there is no specific vaccination for the bird flu virus. However, you can get an annual flu shot to lower your risk of getting the flu.