H5N1 bird flu, could this be a deadly virus? Before we delve deeply into the whole H5N1 bird flu discussion, I just want to make one thing clear: this virus is not a threat to properly processed food such as pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry eggs or meat.
This bird flu is very common in wild birds and has become a serious case in the United States due to its recent connection to human cases. One advice? Stay clean and keep your environment tidy (even your poultries)
Description of the H5N1 Bird Flu

The H5N1 bird flu is the most common subtype of bird flu that has spread to humans in the past. This bird flu is very common in poultry animals, especially birds, and is dangerous due to the virus that is responsible for it.
There have been many arguments on whether humans too can contract this virus from birds. Shockingly, the answer is yes. Yes, humans can contract the H5N1 bird flu from birds on very rare chances.
If you ever contract the H5N1 bird flu, then you are likely to fall very ill and should immediately see a doctor for treatment.
The bird flu is usually uncommon until it affects a large number of birds and animals and then becomes a major outbreak. This virus is one that should not be overlooked, as one infected bird can infect an entire population of birds.
The higher the outbreak of this virus in birds, the greater the chances of humans in the area contracting it. This virus is a great threat to wildlife and therefore a threat to the supply of food, as it makes most wildlife birds and animals unsafe for consumption.
The chances of humans contracting this virus were very slim until 2024 when it became a major wake-up call in the United States.
Read also:Â Deadly Mosquito Virus Massachusetts: News On The Radar Now
What are the Symptoms of H5N1 in Humans?
Although the H5N1 bird flu was once a bird and wildlife virus, it is slowly affecting humans as well. Below are symptoms of H5N1 in humans to look out for to know whether you have contracted the virus:
- Feverish feelings
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Pink eye
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
Depending on the victim, the symptoms may be mild or very severe to require immediate treatment. The most common signs recently are the following:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Pink eye
If you look out for the above signs and symptoms, then you are sure to know what hit you and know whether or not you need immediate medical attention.
What are the Causes of H5N1 Bird Flu?
Of course, the virus does not just happen suddenly, as there have to be forces responsible for it. Below are the causes of H5N1 bird flu in humans:
- Closeness to infected animal habitats increases the likelihood of contracting the virus, as you may breathe in dust particles from the infected habitat.
- Contact with infected animal body fluid, including the following:
- Milk
- Saliva
- Poop, etc.
This virus is deadly because when a human contracts it, it tends to infect the lungs and upper respiratory tracts. In worst-case scenarios, it may likely spread to the brain and other body parts.
Read also:Â Cases of West Nile Virus Found In Central Queens
What Happens if Humans Get Bird Flu?
When humans contract the H5N1 bird flu (which is rare), they are likely to experience mild or severe symptoms. If a human experiences severe symptoms, then he/she must be admitted to the hospital for intensive care and treatment.
The bird flu exposes one to other severe illnesses, not excluding the following:
- Swelling of the brain
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Acute respiratory distress
- Bacterial infections.
People who are likely to get infected by this virus should go to the doctor and learn ways to prevent it and stop it.
Is H5N1 Bird Flu Human to Human Transmission?
Although there is a rare chance of this virus spreading from human to human, there is still a possibility, as it is capable of mutating to transmit from an infected human to another human.
From all the recent incidents that have occurred, there have not been any cases of human-to-human transmission, as it is mostly from infected animals to humans.
Is Bird Flu Curable?
From the cases that have been presented to us via research, this virus is usually transmitted via the following:
- Raw meat
- Unprocessed milk
Most of the recent cases that have been observed are usually from contaminated (unprocessed) food products to humans or via contact with these infected animals; however, there is a belief that contracting this virus from your pets could result in a different manifestation of the diseases.
Yes, the H5N1 bird flu is curable, especially when discovered early. Below are antiviral medications that can be used to treat the virus:
- Baloxavir marboxil (BXM)
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
- Peramivir (Rapivab®)
- Zanamivir (Relenza®)
- Baloxavir acid (BXA)
Read also:Â Marburg Virus Disease | The Origin, Spread, Causes, and Treatment
Conclusion
Although the H5N1 bird flu was seen as a serious threat to birds and wildlife, it was not seen as a serious threat to humans until someone who raised a poultry of chickens died from this virus after the death of his chickens, of course.
If you have a poultry farm, a dairy farm, or you have one in your area, then you must be wary of this virus, as the chances of humans contracting it are slowly increasing.
Thank you for reading, and if you have questions related to the subject topic, do feel free to ask them via the comments section below!
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