Don’t Panic: H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccine Available, Says Former AIIMS Director

Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS, has addressed concerns about H5N1 bird flu, assuring there’s no need to worry because the vaccine against the virus is already out there.

“Bird flu has been around for more than twenty years now. The virus has been inactive for a long time, so there’s no need to panic,” he told News18.

Dr. Guleria, a leading lung specialist in India, suggests stepping up surveillance by closely monitoring groups of people showing flu-like symptoms and keeping an eye on trends in poultry.

Avian influenza, also called H5N1, mainly affects birds. Global experts have warned about the possibility of a bird flu pandemic, which could be a hundred times more severe than Covid.

In 2001, there were fears that H5N1 could cause the next pandemic. “The vaccine was developed and stored in case it mutated and became contagious between humans, which would be extremely deadly. The mortality rate for humans with this virus is 60%, which is very high,” Dr. Guleria explained.

He mentioned that the vaccine was created because research showed that human-to-human transmission could occur with just two mutations.

“Developed countries like the UK and the US had stored the vaccine, but it expired later. However, today we have the technology, and if needed, big pharmaceutical companies can produce and stockpile the vaccine,” Dr. Guleria added.

The main source of avian influenza or H5N1 is usually poultry. “Anyone who comes into close contact with these birds can get infected, but there haven’t been any cases of human-to-human transmission,” he emphasized.

So, while there’s no need to panic, it’s important to stay vigilant and informed about bird flu and its potential risks.

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Q&A

Q: What is H5N1 bird flu, and why is it concerning?

A: H5N1 bird flu is a type of avian influenza that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans. It’s concerning because of its potential to cause a severe pandemic if it mutates and becomes easily transmissible between humans.

Q: Is there a vaccine available for H5N1 bird flu?

A: Yes, there is a vaccine available for H5N1 bird flu. It was developed as a precautionary measure in case the virus mutated and became contagious among humans.

Q: Who is at risk of contracting H5N1 bird flu?

A: People who come into close contact with infected birds, especially poultry, are at risk of contracting H5N1 bird flu. However, human-to-human transmission is rare.

Q: What are the symptoms of H5N1 bird flu in humans?

A: Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and other severe respiratory problems.

Q: How can the spread of H5N1 bird flu be prevented?

A: Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds, practicing good hygiene such as frequent handwashing, and getting vaccinated if recommended by healthcare authorities. Additionally, early detection and containment of outbreaks are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.

Q: What are the potential consequences of a H5N1 bird flu pandemic?

A: A H5N1 bird flu pandemic could have devastating consequences, leading to widespread illness, hospitalizations, and even deaths. It could also strain healthcare systems and disrupt economies worldwide.

Q: How does H5N1 bird flu compare to other infectious diseases like COVID-19?

A: While both H5N1 bird flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, they have different characteristics. H5N1 bird flu has a higher mortality rate but is less contagious between humans compared to COVID-19. However, a potential H5N1 pandemic could be more severe in terms of mortality if the virus mutates to become easily transmissible among humans.

Q: What measures can poultry farmers take to prevent the spread of H5N1 bird flu among their flocks?

A: Poultry farmers can implement biosecurity measures such as limiting access to farms, practicing proper sanitation, and monitoring their flocks for any signs of illness. They should also report any suspected cases of H5N1 bird flu to the relevant authorities for further investigation and containment.

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Q: Are there any ongoing efforts to monitor and control the spread of H5N1 bird flu globally?

A: Yes, there are international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that collaborate with countries to monitor and control the spread of H5N1 bird flu. These efforts include surveillance, early detection, and response to outbreaks, as well as promoting vaccination and other preventive measures.