Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection caused by influenza A viruses that mainly affect birds, but can sometimes spread to humans and other animals. The illness can range from mild to severe in birds and, on rare occasions, cause serious disease in people.
Human infections are rare and generally only occur after close contact with sick birds or contaminated environments. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.
The most well-known strains are H5N1 and H7N9. While these viruses have caused serious infections and deaths, only one human case of H5N1 has been recorded in Australia (acquired overseas), and no cases of H7N9 have been detected.
In Australia, small outbreaks of less severe bird flu strains have occurred on poultry farms, occasionally causing mild illness in people who handled infected birds.
Most people exposed to bird flu experience mild or no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are similar to those of seasonal influenza, and usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure. Symptoms include:
Severe illness can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), neurological changes, or death.
If you become unwell after travelling to an area where bird flu is present, and have had contact with birds or wild animals, tell your doctor so tests can be arranged.
Bird flu spreads mainly through direct contact with infected birds or their saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings. It can also spread indirectly through contaminated dust, surfaces, water, or equipment used around birds.
Person-to-person transmission is very rare and usually only happens after close, prolonged contact with an infected person without protective equipment.
The risk of catching bird flu from eating properly cooked poultry or eggs is very low.
Most people are at very low risk of getting bird flu. The highest risk is for those who have close contact with sick birds or other animals that can carry the virus, especially in countries where bird flu outbreaks are occurring.
People most at risk include:
For travellers going overseas, the risk is low if you avoid contact with sick or dead birds, live animal markets, and follow good hygiene practices.
You can reduce your risk ofgetting bird flu by following these steps, especially if you are travelling to areas where outbreaks are occurring:
If you work with poultry, follow your workplace infection control procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as:
There is no specific vaccine for bird flu, but the seasonal flu vaccine is still recommended as it protects against other influenza strains and may lessen symptoms if co-infection occurs.
Bird flu is diagnosed by testing a sample taken from your nose or throat.
Tell your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and have recently been in contact with sick or dead birds, other animals, or people with confirmed bird flu. It’s also important to mention any recent travel to countries or regions where bird flu outbreaks are occurring.
Your doctor may arrange testing and provide advice on monitoring your health and reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Your doctor will advise you on what to do if you test positive for bird flu. This may include staying at home, wearing a mask, and practising good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the virus to others in your household.
They may recommend antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These medicines can help reduce the severity of illness if taken early.
If your illness is more severe, you may need hospital care.
Antibiotics may be used if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, develops.
Bird flu in humans is a notifiable disease. This means that any suspected or confirmed case must be reported to a public health unit so infection control measures can be put in place to protect the community.
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