Bird flu is an infection caused by influenza virus. This condition does not affect humans, but sometimes it can and can be a serious condition. People infected with the virus had close contact with infected birds and this infection can spread from one person to another.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRntfctciSI” width=”220″]Common symptoms of the bird flu
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle ache
- Diarrhea
- Eye infection
People infected with the virus had close contact with infected birds and this infection can spread from one person to another.
Causes
Bird flu develops in wild waterfowl but it can also affect ducks, domestic chickens, geese and turkeys. The infection can be spread by direct contact with feces of infected birds as well as the secretions from the eyes, nose and mouth.
Bird flu is common in open marketplaces where poultry are sold in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. Touching the surfaces contaminated by the saliva and droppings of infected birds can cause bird flu.
Eating the meat of poultry is safe and does not cause infection as long as the meat and eggs are properly cooked. The meat should be cooked at 165 degrees F and eggs should be cooked until the white and the yolk is firm.
Complications of bird flu can cause collapse of the lung, respiratory failure, cardiovascular issues, pneumonia and impaired kidney function.
Treatment
- Green tea is rich in antiviral properties and limits the release of the enzyme called neutraminidase which is needed by the bird flu virus to reproduce. Drink at least 3-6 cups of green tea every day.
- Take vitamin C supplements to boost the immune system of the body.
- Fill a basin with boiling water and add drops of eucalyptus oil. Make sure that the head is covered with a towel and then inhale the vapors from the steam to lessen the nasal congestion. Tea tree oil can also be added to the boiling water to clear the nasal passages.
- In a cup filled with warm water, add some lemon juice and then gargle this mixture to provide relief to the sore throat.
- Sipping on hot herbal teas can provide relief from cough, irritation of the throat and congestion.
- Take plenty of rest and sleep every day for fast healing of the condition.
- Keep the body warm when suffering from bird flu by wrapping the body in blankets or a shawl. Another way of keeping the body warm is adding a teaspoon of honey to an ounce of rum and drink it every day.
- Eat fresh vegetable salad that contains bell peppers, onion, carrots and garlic to boost the immune system of the body. Eat plenty of fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, cranberries and blueberries to lessen the risk of developing viral infections.
- Drink plenty of water every day to keep the body well hydrated. Drinking water will ensure that the nasal membranes are properly hydrated.
- Perform simple exercises such as yoga to improve the immune system of the body and meditation to strengthen the body and making it more resistant to infections.
FACT CHECK
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/what-know-about-bird-flu#1