WHO confirms H9N2 bird flu in India, know its symptoms and precautions

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that in India a 4-year-old from West Bengal has been infected with Avian Influenza that is the H9N2 virus. As per a report by The Indian Express, this is the second documented case in India and the first one was in 2019.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Dr Manish Mannan said that the virus infects birds, but can sometimes infect humans as well.

Common symptoms of bird flu or the Avian Influenza

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe. Here are the common symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Eye infections
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Respiratory distress

Precautions from bird flu or the Avian Influenza

Personal Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling birds or poultry products. Use hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.

Avoid Contact with Infected Birds: Stay away from poultry farms, live bird markets, and other places where live birds are handled. Avoid consuming poultry too.

Vaccination: Consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine, as it can help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and bird flu viruses.

Travel Precautions: Be cautious when traveling to countries with known bird flu outbreaks.

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