Bird flu: How concerned should you be about human infection of H5N1? | Expert Answers | CNA Explains

Summary

Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Ooi Eng Eong discusses the potential threat of H5N1 bird flu to humans. He explains how the virus can jump from aquatic birds to poultry and possibly to humans, emphasizing the possibility of human-to-human transmission through a few mutations. While there's no current evidence of such transmission, the potential for a pandemic is real. The conversation covers symptoms, prevention, and the importance of public health preparedness, highlighting the lessons learned from COVID-19 in vaccine development and public health infrastructure.

Takeaways

• 🦠 Bird flu, specifically H5N1, is a concern because influenza has caused significant pandemics in the past.
• 🌊 The influenza virus is commonly found in aquatic birds and can be transmitted to poultry, causing mass deaths due to lack of adaptation.
• 🤝 Human-to-human transmission of bird flu is possible but has not yet occurred at alarming levels.
• 🔬 Research has shown that H5N1 could adapt to efficient human-to-human transmission with relatively few mutations.
• 🚫 Predicting the exact time or manner of such a mutation is not possible, and gain-of-function studies to explore this are ethically controversial.
• 🇸🇬 In Singapore, the risk of getting bird flu from food like milk, chicken, or eggs is minimal due to strict food safety controls by the Singapore Food Agency.
• 🍽️ When traveling outside of Singapore, it's advisable to avoid raw food to reduce the risk of contracting bird flu, as the virus is easily killed by heat.
• 🐦 The risk of contracting bird flu from birds at hawker centers is very low, as the viruses are primarily found in migratory aquatic birds.
• 🤒 Symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to COVID-19, including sudden onset of fever and prominent respiratory symptoms like cough.
• 💊 There are drugs to treat influenza, such as Tamiflu, but no licensed vaccine for H5N1 exists yet, although early phase trials have been conducted.
• 🛡️ The experience from COVID-19 has improved our ability to quickly develop vaccines, particularly with mRNA technology, and has reinforced the importance of public health infrastructure and public engagement.

Q & A

What is the H5N1 virus, and why is it a concern for humans?

The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, is an influenza virus that primarily affects birds but has the potential to infect humans. It is a concern because influenza viruses have historically caused significant pandemics, and H5N1 has shown the ability to cross over from aquatic birds to poultry and, in some cases, to humans.

How does the H5N1 virus typically infect humans?

Human infections with H5N1 have mostly occurred through direct contact with infected poultry, particularly in large poultry farms. However, human-to-human transmission has not been a significant concern as of the time of the script.

Is it possible for H5N1 to be transmitted from one person to another?

Yes, human-to-human transmission of H5N1 is theoretically possible, and it may only be a few mutations away from being able to spread efficiently among humans. This potential makes it important to monitor and take the virus seriously.

What precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of H5N1?

Preventive measures include controlling the import of animals and food products, ensuring good food safety practices, and avoiding raw food, especially when outside of regions with strict controls like Singapore.

Can bird flu be transmitted through consuming food products like milk, chicken, or eggs?

In Singapore, the risk is minimal due to tight controls by the Singapore Food Agency. However, when traveling outside of Singapore, it is advised to be cautious about the origin of food products and to avoid raw food, as the virus is easily killed with heat.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of COVID-19 and include fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.

Are there any differences in symptoms between adults, children, and the elderly?

Elderly individuals may exhibit non-specific symptoms such as increased fatigue and slightly elevated heart rate, while children typically present with fever, cough, and runny nose.

Is there a treatment available for bird flu?

There are antiviral drugs like Tamiflu that can treat influenza, but as of the time of the script, there is no licensed vaccine specifically for H5N1. However, vaccine development is possible if needed.

What is the difference between the H5N1 virus and the coronavirus?

The H5N1 virus is an influenza virus with 8 different RNA segments and two types of surface proteins ('H' and 'N'), leading to a wide variety of potential strains. In contrast, coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, have a single-stranded RNA with multiple genes, making gene swapping less common.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic prepared us for potential future pandemics like H5N1?

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated vaccine development, particularly with mRNA technology, and has provided insights into public health infrastructure and response strategies. This experience should enhance our ability to respond to future pandemics.

What role does the public play in preventing and responding to a potential bird flu pandemic?

The public plays a crucial role in maintaining awareness of the risks, practicing good hygiene, and following health guidelines when a pandemic occurs. Engagement and education are key to an effective community response.