Bird Flu or Avian Flu is Influenza infection caused by viruses adapted to birds. Bird Flu is caused by Influenza Virus Type A (H5N1). Though Bird Flu is normally related to virus infection in birds, there are instances of Bird Flu virus affecting humans. In humans, Bird Flu has proved to be fatal. Potential spread in humans poses one of the greatest threats of an outbreak in humans.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Body Aches

Other Complications of Bird Flu are:

• Eye infection
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory problems
• Inflammation of brain and heart.

Treatment of Bird Flu

Anti Flu drugs – TamiFlu and Revenza are the known treatment drugs for Flu infections across globe. Vaccine against Bird Flu is currently under development.

Prevention of Bird Flu

• Avoid contact with domesticated or wild birds as they are prime carrier of Bird Flu
• Wash Eggshells thoroughly before breaking eggs and wash your hands after that.
• Avoid food containing uncooked egg.
• Wash hands, utensils etc after cooking poultry.
• Cook poultry at high temperatures.