Every flu season, the spotlight falls on influenza viruses as people prepare to combat the common flu. However, another strain of flu that often makes headlines is the bird flu, also known as avian influenza. While both bird flu and regular flu are caused by influenza viruses, their origins, symptoms, transmission patterns, and potential health impacts are strikingly different. Understanding these differences is crucial for personal and public health and our expert Dr Sampath Kumar Pediatrician, Kinder Hospital - Bengaluru explains everything to us in detail. Here is what he shared with us.
What Causes Bird Flu And Regular Flu?
Bird Flu: Bird flu is caused by influenza A viruses that primarily infect birds. Among the many strains, H5N1 and H7N9 are the most notorious for causing severe illness in humans.
Regular Flu: Regular flu, commonly referred to as seasonal flu, is caused by influenza A and B viruses that circulate in humans annually. These strains include subtypes like H1N1 and H3N2.
Transmission Patterns Of Bird Flu And Regular Flu
Bird Flu: Transmission of bird flu to humans is rare and typically occurs through direct or close contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Bird flu is not commonly spread from person to person.
Regular Flu: Regular flu is highly contagious and spreads easily among humans through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
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Symptoms Of Bird Flu And Regular Flu
Bird Flu: Symptoms of bird flu often begin like regular flu but can escalate quickly. Early signs include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, but severe cases may lead to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, organ failure, or death.
Regular Flu: Seasonal flu symptoms usually include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children).
Severity And Risks Of Bird Flu And Regular Flu
Bird Flu: Bird flu infections in humans are rare but tend to be more severe, with a high mortality rate. Certain groups, such as poultry workers, are at higher risk due to their proximity to infected birds.
Regular Flu: While the regular flu can be serious, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, it is generally less deadly compared to bird flu.
Prevention Strategies For Bird Flu And Regular Flu
Bird Flu: Preventing bird flu involves avoiding contact with wild birds or live poultry markets, maintaining good hygiene, and following public health advisories. In some cases, antiviral medications and vaccines tailored to specific strains are recommended for high-risk individuals.
Regular Flu: Prevention for regular flu includes getting the annual flu vaccine, practising good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Vaccines are updated yearly to target the most prevalent strains.
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Diagnosis And Treatment Of Bird Flu And Regular Flu
Bird Flu: Diagnosis involves specialised tests to detect avian influenza viruses. Additionally, treatment typically includes antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), along with supportive care.
Regular Flu: Regular flu is diagnosed based on symptoms and sometimes Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs). Treatment includes antiviral medications and symptom management through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.
Bottomline
While bird flu and regular flu share some similarities, they differ significantly in their causes, transmission, and impacts on human health. Regular flu is a familiar seasonal illness with widespread preventative measures, while bird flu is a rare but serious zoonotic disease with pandemic potential. Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting yourself and your community from both.