Bird Flu in Older Adults - Strategies for Effective Management

Introduction

Avian influenza, also known as avian flu or bird flu, is a type of illness that usually affects only birds. There are many different strains of bird flu virus, but the most commonly seen and the most deadly form of the virus is called influenza A or H5N1 virus. Influenza A-type viruses usually infect wild aquatic birds and often spread to poultry birds causing bird flu and can spread to humans. The avian influenza virus can jump from species to species and can infect humans from an infected bird. Human infections have been reported among poultry handlers who deal with the sale of live animals. The high mortality rate in humans is the main cause of concern, (with almost 60 percent) about the spread of bird flu. People with comorbidities or aged above 65 years are the most vulnerable.

What Are the Signs of Flu in Birds?

Avian influenza viruses are classified according to their ability to cause severe diseases in birds, such as

1. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - It can cause severe disease and is often fatal in susceptible birds. The main clinical signs are:

• Swollen head.

• Blue discoloration of face and neck.

• Loss of appetite.

• Respiratory distress includes a gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, and rattling.

• Diarrhea and neurological signs.

• Fever.

• Cessation of laying or fewer eggs laid.

• Increased mortality.

2. Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) - It generally causes mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, such as:

• Mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

• Drop in egg production.

• Secondary infections.

How Does the Bird Flu Get to Humans?

The population at risk of bird flu includes poultry farmers, a person exposed to the infected bird, someone traveling through an exposed area, healthcare workers, or household members dealing with infected patients. Although bird flu might not get to humans often, it proves to be incredibly dangerous when it does. Humans can get the infection when the virus is present in enough amounts in the form of droplets or dust, and the person inhales it or touches the surface that is contaminated with the virus, and the person then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

What Are the Symptoms?

The initial symptoms of bird flu are often the same as a regular flu infection. A person might have a runny nose, sore throat, and experience sneezing. These symptoms can progress rapidly and can create serious complications such as:

• High fever.

• Weakness.

• Headache.

• Aching muscles.

• Chills.

• Dry cough.

• Nasal congestion.

• Fatigue.

These symptoms can increase the risk of secondary infections such as:

• Ear infections.

• Pneumonia.

• Bronchitis.

How Bird Flu Is Diagnosed?

After looking at the signs and symptoms, a doctor can order a laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis. A swab is collected from the nose or throat of the infected person, and the specimen is sent to a diagnostic laboratory.

How to Treat and Protect?

Initially, a person might not feel the need to consult a doctor and may mistake it for a regular flu infection. However, if someone is at risk of influenza, they must seek medical help as soon as the symptoms start to become severe. Various methods for prevention and treatment are as follows-

1. Prevention -

• People should avoid direct contact with infected birds.

• Some wild birds may appear normal even if they are sick, and it is advisable to avoid contact as they might be infected.

• Use protective equipment like masks, gloves, and eye protection.

• Avoid direct contact with domestic birds when they are sick or have died. Gloves should be worn by the person while handling them.

• People should not touch surfaces that are contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces. Protective gloves must be worn in such cases.

• Wash the hands properly with soap and water after touching the birds or in case a person has touched a surface contaminated with the bird’s saliva, mucus, or feces.

• If one has been exposed to such an area or handled the birds, change the clothes afterward.

• People who have been exposed and become sick should isolate themselves at home to avoid direct contact with family members or friends.

• People who consume poultry meat should wash it thoroughly before consuming it, and it should be properly cooked before eating.

2. Treatment -

• A flu shot can decrease the chance of infection while also protecting from the development of pneumonia and other serious secondary infections.

• Treatment for bird flu usually involves antiviral medicines.

• Avoid eating runny eggs or uncooked meat.

• During the course of infection, it is important to take proper rest and take necessary medications on time.

How to Manage Bird Flu in Older People?

Older people are among the vulnerable group to bird flu as they are more likely to catch the infection due to their weak immune systems. This infection can pose a serious problem for them as their physiological ability to fight any disease or infection decreases with age. There are methods to manage bird flu among elderly people, which are as follows-

• Older people should avoid places that sell poultry birds.

• If any older person has been exposed to such an area, they should wash their hands thoroughly and avoid touching their face.

• If they have caught the infection, then they should seek medical help immediately, even if influenza seems like the regular flu or they have minor symptoms.

• Older people get dehydrated easily, so it is important to get enough fluids when sick.

• Proper rest should be taken by elderly people, as their body becomes weak due to the virus.

• Antiviral medications, antibiotics, and painkillers should be taken as prescribed by the physician.

• The diet of older people should consist of energy-rich food and light and well-tolerated foods like vegetable soup.

• People should try to have warm water as much as possible and avoid the cold.

• Family members or caregivers should maintain hygiene and cleanliness around the older person as much as possible.

Conclusion

Bird flu has a low chance of infecting humans and is a treatable infection. However, it can have serious complications among the elderly population. Hence proper care should be taken, and the guidelines mentioned for prevention and treatment should be considered and administered effectively.