Bird flu
Overview
Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection that mainly affects birds. The virus can spread to humans through close contact. It can be fatal but it’s very rare in the UK.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bird flu in humans usually start around 4 to 6 days after being in contact with an infected bird. Symptoms can be mild or severe and include: high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiverycoughsore throatrunny or blocked nosewheezing and sneezingshortness of breathred, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
Treatment
Antiviral medicines can be used to treat bird flu. If you're very ill, machines can be used to help with your breathing. People you may have been in close contact with will also be offered testing and treatment.
Prevention
To help prevent bird flu, wash your hands with soap and water: after handling birdsif you touch any surfaces that could have bird saliva or poo on them If you're travelling in parts of the world where there's bird flu, you should avoid: visiting live animal markets or poultry farmstouching bird poo, feathers or nestshandling or eating undercooked or raw egg, duck or poultry-based dishes Bird flu: the latest situation in England (GOV.UK) How to stay safe from bird flu (UK Health Security Agency) Advice about bird flu and swine flu (World Health Organization)