Causes of bird flu
On August 22, an adult patient tested positive for the avian virus at a hospital in the state of Missouri. Where only poultry and wild birds have previously tested positive for the H5N1 strain of the virus.
Initially, the patient tested positive for influenza A, but they didn’t match any known human subtype. Further testing revealed the patient had somehow picked up the avian influenza,
Avian influenza is caused by infection with certain strains of influenza viruses found in birds and poultry. Symptoms and severity of disease depend on the strain of virus and the type of bird infected. The most important strain is H5N1. Which causes severe symptoms and rapid death in infected birds.
Currently, outbreaks of bird flu have been found in many countries around the world, including in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Thailand, ยูฟ่าเบท outbreaks of bird flu were found from 2004-2006, with a total of 25 cases of infection, 17 deaths. Data from the outbreak news monitoring program from January 1-31, 2024, showed no reports of patients meeting the criteria for investigation of bird flu outbreaks in Thailand.
Bird flu symptoms
Bird flu symptoms usually appear within 7-10 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- cough
- sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- tired
- Loss of appetite
- vomit
- Diarrhea (some cases)
While some experience severe symptoms such as
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory failure
If you suspect that you have you should see a doctor immediately. Treatment for depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will usually prescribe you antiviral medication