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SearchWith more bird flu cases being reported in the news recently, a physician explains how the virus spreads and who is most at risk.
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CLEVELAND - As we continue to see more reports about bird flu, you may be wondering how exactly the virus spreads and whether you’re at risk.
“Right now, there's a low risk because it's mainly seen in birds, but there have been some rare cases, so we need to remain vigilant,” said Lysette Cardona, MD, infectious disease specialist with Cleveland Clinic Florida. “There's no documented human-to-human transmission at this point. So it is in the community, but still at a lower risk.”
Dr. Cardona said while rare, bird flu is contracted when a person has close contact with an infected animal.
Symptoms of the virus typically include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, and nausea.
They may also get conjunctivitis, often referred to as “pink eye.”
Bird flu in humans can be deadly.
According to the CDC, in roughly 50% of known cases worldwide, the person died.
However, when detected early, the virus is treatable.
“People that have immunocompromising conditions or are pregnant, the elderly, may have some type of chronic condition such as with the heart, diabetes, and especially younger infants that have not developed their immunity, may be at risk for more severe illness with any type of influenza, including the bird flu,” she said Dr. Cardona.
There is a test available for bird flu, which involves a throat or nose swab.
Since the virus isn’t common, it’s important to tell your doctor right away if you suspect you were exposed to the virus.
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