How to Keep Your Children Safe from Bird Flu

The flu is a common viral infection in humans, affecting the nose, lungs and throat. Similarly, bird flu is a type of viral infection affecting birds. One of the earliest recorded outbreaks of avian influenza in humans was in 1997.

 

While it is rare to see cases in humans, a person can contract the flu from an infected bird and even pass it to other people, making it a dangerous viral infection. In this article, we will look at what bird flu is, what are its causes, and how to prevent bird flu in kids.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is a type of virus that spreads amongst birds. It has many different strains, most of which cannot affect people. However, experts have been concerned with certain strains of the virus in recent years. These include:

 

1 . H5N1 (1997 onwards)

2 . H7N9 (2013 onwards)

3 . H5N6 (2014 onwards)

4 . H5N8 (2016 onwards)

 

According to National Health Service UK, H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 strains have been recorded to infect several people across the globe. This has led to several deaths as well. Concerningly, 2020 saw one of the largest outbreaks of the H5N1 virus strain amongst all varieties of birds, leading to the deaths of millions of poultry.

 

In India, several states were affected by the H5N1 virus in humans. The first recorded instance of bird flu in children in India was at the beginning of 2024 (the H9N2 strain) leading to severe symptoms.

What are the Causes of Bird Flu in Humans?

Avian influenza is caused by the group of avian influenza Type A viruses. Bird flu viruses may affect humans if the virus ends up lining the cells in the throat, lungs or nose. It could spread via air, stool, or water.

 

Common causes of bird flu include touching birds, bird droppings, or other objects infected with the virus, then touching the eyes nose or mouth.

 

People are most likely to develop bird flu if they spend long periods in close contact with poultry. This could be on farms or coups. Consuming undercooked eggs, chicken, and other poultry can pass on the avian influenza virus to people.

 

However, it is rare to get infected by contact with wild birds or any other animals.

 

In areas where these viruses spread to cattle and other mammals, dairy could cause infection as well, making it important to consume pasteurised dairy products.

 

What are the Symptoms of Bird Flu?

The symptoms of bird flu in kids and adults can vary in severity. Common symptoms include-

 

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Redness of the eyes
5. Muscle pain
6. Abdominal pain
7. Diarrhoe
8. Nausea
9. Vomiting
10. Problem in breathing
11. Confusion
12. Seizures

How Can You Keep Kids Safe from Bird Flu?

There are many steps one can take to protect themselves and their children from the bird flu. This include the following safety tips from bird flu:

 

1. Limiting Contact with Germs
Limit children’s contact with animals who are/appear to be sick. Wild birds and poultry may especially carry this virus, and it is important to maintain a safe distance from them.

 

2. Make Children Wear Protective Gear
Ensure kids are wearing protective gear for their eyes, nose and mouth (such as face masks). Since this virus can be transmitted through the nose, mouth, or even eyes, it is important to keep these places covered, especially in areas where it is possible to get in contact with animals or infected objects.

 

3. Regular Hand Washing
Maintaining proper hygiene is also a must. Ensuring that children wash their hands regularly with warm water and soap is important, especially if they have been in contact with animals. It is vital to keep their hands clean before eating and drinking.

 

4. Hygiene in the Kitchen
Maintain hygiene with food. Ensure that germs don’t spread in the kitchen, especially after cooking raw poultry, meat, eggs, or seafood is essential. Wash any contaminated surfaces with hot water and soap to destroy possible infection.

 

5. Avoiding Raw Meat and Dairy
Avoid consuming raw meat and dairy. Make sure items such as chicken, eggs, and other meat are well cooked. Dairy products may contain strains of the bird flu as well. Pasteurised dairy products are the safest, as they have been heated to kill any germs.

 

It is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid places that may be exposed to the bird flu, both for kids and adults. If child shows symptoms of bird flu, contact a medical professional immediately to keep symptoms under control and book blood tests with Dr Lal Path Labs for timely diagnosis.

FAQs

1. What are the risk factors for bird flu?

Risk factors for the bird flu include being exposed to infected birds or other animals, their droppings, or fluids. This could be through food preparation or caring for animals.

2 . How can you prevent bird flu?

Maintaining hygiene, and avoiding undercooked poultry, raw dairy, and infected animals can help prevent bird flu.