Ishita Roy

UK Is Preparing For Bird Flu, Experts Call It The Next COVID

Could bird flu be the next COVID?

Is the world preparing for the next pandemic? If not the world, UK sure is preparing for that. The UK has ordered 5 million vaccines against <span>bird flu</span>, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next <span>COVID</span>". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so. 

The stocking of vaccine has been done maid the growing concerns that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza could actually trigger the next global health crisis. This has become a cause of concerns after California became the latest to declare an emergency over infected cattle herds, and Louisiana reported its first "severe" human case of bird flu. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) rates bird flu threat at level 4, which means sustained outbreaks in mammals and increasing human cases from animal contact. In terms of numbers, since 2003, there have been 939 human cases of bird flu globally, with 464 deaths recorded. All of them were directly caught from birds or animals. Human to human contact for bird flu is still yet to be studied. 

As per<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/us-isnt-taking-prompt-action-against-bird-flu-warn-health-experts-article-151112932" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Dr Deborah Birx</a>, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator: "We kind of have our head in the sand about how widespread this is from the zoonotic standpoint, from the animal-to-human standpoint."

The mutation also makes it a big enough reason for UK to stand prepared. In fact, a spokesperson of the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that existing comments about the avian flu testing are out of date, misleading, and inaccurate, indicating new tests, and studies to be done.

CDC also confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in humans in the US, which showed the signs of mutation. The sample was taken from a patient in Louisiana, which showed mutations in the gene which is responsible for attaching to host's cells. This is a concern, as it raises the questions of whether the H5N1 virus can actually swap gene segment with other flu? 

<h4>What are the symptoms one must look out for?</h4>

<ul><li>Pink eye</li><li>fever</li><li>fatigue</li><li>cough</li><li>muscle aches</li><li>sore throat</li><li>nausea</li><li>vomiting</li><li>diarrhea</li><li>study or runny nose</li><li>shortness of breath</li></ul>

The first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.

<h4>Can bird flu come from other animals?</h4>

Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/the-us-reports-its-first-case-of-bird-flu-cdc-notes-change-in-infection-pattern-article-151037304" data-type="tilCustomLink"> first human bird flu case</a> in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.

While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.

While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

covid

bird flu

bird flu could be the next pandemic

covid bird flu

Flu (Influenza)

Could A 20 Seconds Trick Everyday Make You Stop Spiralling? We Put It To The Test!

Most Common Vaginal Infection May Actually Be An STD, Study Finds

You Have Heard Of Blood Thinning, But Do You Know Blood Thickening Can Also Make You Sick?

Health & Wellness

10 Low-Sodium Dinner Options You Must Try

10 Health Benefits Of Star Anise

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Working Out

10 Low-Sodium Healthy Heart Snack

10 Bedtime Habits To Help You Lose Weight

10 Low Carb Lunch Options You Must Try

10 Foods to Avoid Eating During Season

10 Strength Exercises To Help You Burn Belly Fat

10 Food Habits That Are Ruining Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do For Better Joint Health

10 Foods That Are High-Protein You May Not Know About

10 Fiber Rich Dinner Choices To Try

10 Ways To Curb Unhealthy Cravings

10 Healthy Egg Recipes You Can Try

​10 Morning Exercises You Should Do Everyday​

10 Protein Healthy Bread Recipes

10 Morning Habit You Should Teach Children

10 Nutty Recipes You Should Try For Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do Before Sleeping

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Is the world preparing for the next pandemic? If not the world, UK sure is preparing for that. The UK has ordered 5 million vaccines against bird flu, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next COVID". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so. The stocking of vaccine has been done maid the growing concerns that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza could actually trigger the next global health crisis. This has become a cause of concerns after California became the latest to declare an emergency over infected cattle herds, and Louisiana reported its first "severe" human case of bird flu. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) rates bird flu threat at level 4, which means sustained outbreaks in mammals and increasing human cases from animal contact. In terms of numbers, since 2003, there have been 939 human cases of bird flu globally, with 464 deaths recorded. All of them were directly caught from birds or animals. Human to human contact for bird flu is still yet to be studied. A threat to public healthAs per Dr Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator: "We kind of have our head in the sand about how widespread this is from the zoonotic standpoint, from the animal-to-human standpoint."The mutation also makes it a big enough reason for UK to stand prepared. In fact, a spokesperson of the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that existing comments about the avian flu testing are out of date, misleading, and inaccurate, indicating new tests, and studies to be done.CDC also confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in humans in the US, which showed the signs of mutation. The sample was taken from a patient in Louisiana, which showed mutations in the gene which is responsible for attaching to host's cells. This is a concern, as it raises the questions of whether the H5N1 virus can actually swap gene segment with other flu? What are the symptoms one must look out for?Pink eyefeverfatiguecoughmuscle achessore throatnauseavomitingdiarrheastudy or runny noseshortness of breathBirds flu in humansThe first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.Can bird flu come from other animals?Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.