Avian influenza in humans (bird flu)
Avian influenza (bird flu) is caused by types of influenza A viruses, like the virus that causes flu in humans. Avian influenza viruses (AIV) mainly affect birds. AIV are called high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) or low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) because of how it affects poultry.
In Australia, LPAI viruses are mostly found in wild water birds, often without causing signs of disease. Sometimes, LPAI strains change into HPAI strains and spread among poultry and can cause severe sickness and death of poultry.
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain has caused deaths of poultry and wild birds and animals, mainly marine animals, overseas. It has also been found in dairy cattle, alpacas and goats.
This strain has spread quickly between countries and has been linked with the movement of wild birds. Australia remains the only country free from H5N1 HPAI.
Humans only rarely get avian influenza. When they do it is because they have had close contact with infected birds.
Avian influenza is monitored by animal and human health authorities.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans are like other forms of influenza (flu). Some people may experience no symptoms, while others can have a range of symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue and aching muscles. Other symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, conjunctivitis (red and sore eyes), diarrhoea or vomiting. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to AIV.
Treatment
Like other influenza infections, most people get better without any treatment. Sometimes antiviral medications may be used to treat avian influenza in humans.
Transmission
Avian influenza does not spread easily to humans.
There is a small risk of transmission from:
- direct contact with infected animals or their surrounding environment
- breathing in contaminated dust
- handling and processing of raw poultry products.
Person to person transmission is rare. When this has occurred, it has been due to close contact with a sick person over several days.
People do not get infected with avian influenza by eating chicken meat and eggs if they are properly cooked.
Prevention
Vaccination
There is currently no human vaccine for avian influenza available in Australia. The annual seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against avian influenza but does reduce the risk of infection with human and avian influenza at the same time.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for any person over 6 months of age. Further information is available at Influenza: fact sheet
Travelling overseas
Travellers to countries where there is avian influenza should:
- avoid contact with live birds, unwell or deceased animals, areas where poultry may be slaughtered, such as poultry farms and live bird markets, or surfaces that are contaminated with faeces
- only eat properly cooked meat, poultry and eggs. If it is necessary to handle or cook meat, poultry or eggs, wash hands well and clean surfaces and items after use
- wash hands regularly with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand rub and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Travellers should check the Australian Government travel advisory (Smartraveller) to determine the avian influenza situation in the country they are visiting before departure.
Working with infected animals
People working with infected animals should:
- have an influenza vaccination annually
- follow their workplace health and safety practices
- use workplace recommended personal protective equipment
- stay away from work if they have cold or flu-like symptoms; and/or conjunctiviti
- Seek medical attention and testing if they get symptoms.
Health outcome
Human infection with avian influenza can cause anything from mild to severe disease resulting in hospitalisation. The risk of severe human disease depends on the virus strain and may be much higher than seasonal influenza infections.
People at higher risk of severe illness from avian influenza include:
- Those with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women.
- The elderly.
Other resources
Smart Traveller - Australian Government Travel Advisory Service
World Health Organization Influenza Fact sheet | Avian influenza
Wildlife Health Australia: Facts about avian influenza
Related content
Queensland Health influenza fact sheet
Department of Health and Ageing: frequently asked questions on Avian influenza
Help and assistance
If you are in an emergency situation, call 000
Get qualified health advice 24/7 for the cost of a local call, 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
For more information contact:
- your local doctor or healthcare provider
- your nearest public health unit