Avian Influenza: A Global Challenge for Public Health

Avian Influenza is a bird disease caused by highly species-specific influenza type A(H5N1). Subtype H5N1 is an emerging avian influenza virus causing global concern as a potential pandemic threat. It is often referred to simply as "bird flu" or "avian influenza", even though it is only one of many subtypes.

influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their hemagglutinin (H or HA) and neuraminidase (N or NA) surface proteins. There are 18 different HA subtypes and 11 different NA subtypes. Only the virus types of the H5 and H7 types are known to cause the highly pathogenic (HPAI) form of the disease. The most well-known example is the avian influenza subtype H5N1 viruses which have caused human disease and deaths since 1997.

Symptoms Of Avian influenza :

Human diseases with avian flu A(H5N1) are uncommon and for the most part, happen after close contact with infected birds or exceptionally contaminated conditions, for example, poultry farms or live bird markets.

A few infected individuals may not develop any symptoms. However, the symptoms develop with illness ranging from mild to very severe, including death. It typically takes from 1 to 5 days, and sometimes longer, for symptoms to show up after exposure.

Symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, fever greater than 38 °C (100.4 °F), aching muscles, headache. Other symptoms include diarrhea, running nose, sore throat, fatigue, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and bleeding gums.

In extreme cases, the infection may likewise prompt multi-organ failure, which can include kidney and liver dysfunction and cardiovascular disability, and lead to death.

Causes of Avian Influenza

Even though there are a few kinds of avian influenza, H5N1 is the principal avian flu infection to infect people. The outbreak was connected

to take care of infected poultry.

H5N1 occurs normally in wild waterfowl, yet it can spread effectively to domestic poultry. The illness is communicated to people through contact with infected bird feces, nasal emissions, or discharges from the mouth or eyes.

Consuming appropriately cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn't spread avian influenza, yet eggs ought to never be served runny. Meat is viewed as protected if it has been cooked to an inside temperature of 165ºF (73.9ºC).

Risk factors of Avian Influenza :

H5N1 can survive for extended timeframes. Birds infected with H5N1 continue to release the infection in feces and saliva for up to 10 days. Coming in contact with polluted surfaces can spread the infection.

Poultry farmers, travelers visiting affected areas, those exposed to infected birds, someone who eats half-cooked poultry or eggs, healthcare workers caring for infected patients, family members from a infected persons are the people who have a greater risk of contracting H5N1.

Diagonising avian influenza

A laboratory test is expected to analyze avian flu A(H5N1). It is typically analyzed by taking a swab from the nose or throat during the initial stage of the disease. This swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the type of infection causing the disease.

The following test is performed to look for the presence of the virus that causes avian influenza auscultation (a test that detects abnormal breath sounds), white blood cell differential, nasopharyngeal culture, and chest X-ray. Additional tests can be done to assess the functioning of your heart, kidneys, and liver.

Treating Avian Influenza

Antiviral medications can be utilized to treat avian influenza A(H5N1). It is important to take medications has to be taken as early as possible within 48 hours of falling ill. They can lessen the symptoms, shorten the length of the disease, and possibly reduce serious complications. People with severe infections should be hospitalized.

Prevention of Avian Influenza

Staying away from open-air markets, avoiding contact with infected birds, and eating half-cooked poultry are some of the preventive measures. Maintaining good hygiene by washing hands regularly is much more needed.

Conclusion

Avian flu A/H5N1 is a threat to public health that can cause severe illness and death in people. Knowing its pathology, transmission, clinical features, and pharmacologic treatments and preparing for the prevention and management of its outbreak will assist in its possibility of devastating consequences.