What are the symptoms of Influenza A H5N1?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am planning a trip to a region where Influenza A H5N1 has been reported in poultry. What precautions should I take to protect myself from potential exposure to this highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, and what are the symptoms to watch out for me? Is it contagious to my family?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

First of all, you and your family need to follow a few precautions.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization),

You should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. They can be infected with avian influenza A (flu) viruses even if they do not look sick.
You should avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds that might appear sick or have died.
Please avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds.
You should avoid touching the mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds.
As for all communicable respiratory diseases, wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds and use protective equipment like gloves, an N95 respirator mask, or, if not available, a well-fitting facemask (for example: a surgical mask), and eye protection.
People who become sick within 10 days of their exposure to infected birds should isolate themselves at home, away from their family members in the household, and should avoid going to the workplace or school until they are proven not to have bird flu virus infection and have recovered from their illness.
Your close contacts (family members, friends, etc.) of people who have been exposed to bird flu viruses should monitor their health and report to their healthcare provider any new symptoms, especially respiratory symptoms, within 10 days of the exposure.

Vaccination

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine, ideally, two weeks before their potential exposure, if possible.

The general tetravalent seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.