14/01/2021
*BIRD FLU /AVIAN FLU IN INDIA*
Bird Flu outbreak has spread to 8 states and Delhi.
_Causative Organism_ is Avian (bird )Influenza Type -A virus.
Primarily H5N1(Highly Virulant ) isolated from Himachal Pradesh.
Other strains -H5N8,H7N1 isolated from kerala/Rajasthan/Madhya pradesh.
_natural reservoir_ Wild birds .From them it can spread to Poultry birds .
Bird flu do not normally infect Humans . However, sporadic Human infection with birdflu virus has occurred.
*NO INCIDENCE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY CURRENT H5N8 STRAIN HAS BEEN REPORTED TILL NOW*
_SYMPTOMS_ Fever,cough , cold ,nausea , diarrhea ,viral pneumonia , conjunctivitis.
_DIAGNOSIS_ Lab testing of nasal swab.
_TREATMENT_ Antivirals effective 70%-90%
_PREVENTIVE MEASURES_
1)Avoid contact with wild birds.observe them from distance .
2)Avoid contact with ill /died domestic birds (poultry).
3)Avoid contact with surfaced that appears to be contaminated with bird faeces from wild or domestic birds.
*SAFETY CONCERN OVER EATING EGGS SND CHICKENS*
Scientists says it is safe to eat poultry products that are properly cooked over 60-70 degree celdius .Any temperature above this kills viruses.
*VACCINATION*
It is recommended that people should take seasonal flu vaccine . Although it will not prevent infection with bird Influenza A virus but it cam reduce the risk of coinfection with Human and Bird Influenza A virus
_CONTACT SPARSH CLINIC FOR FLU VACCINE TODAY_ 011-4351-4973.
*Dr Deepti Gujral Saha*
*SPARSH CLINIC*
