Bird flu in humans can be treated with antiviral drugs, which can hamper the viruses’ ability to replicate and help people recover from the illness.
Medication Options
Antiviral medications can work best when they’re prescribed as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours after the symptoms appear. The medications used to treat bird flu include:
But the H7N9 and H5N1 viruses have become resistant to the antiviral drugs amantadine (Gocovri) and rimantadine (Flumadine).
Prevention of Bird Flu
There is no widely available vaccine to prevent bird flu in the United States. The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid the sources of the exposure.
People who work with poultry should follow infection control practices, such as wearing personal protective equipment and following proper hand hygiene protocols.
Wild birds can also be a source of the infection, so it’s best to let local or state agencies dispose of a dead bird. If a large number of birds are dying in the same area, a wildlife organization will likely investigate the cause. People shouldn’t get too close to birds, and should avoid touching surfaces that are contaminated with bird droppings.
The CDC tells people who are traveling to countries with avian flu to avoid visiting areas where birds are raised or sold, including poultry farms and open-air market, and to avoid visiting places where eggs and birds are sold in unsanitary conditions. (1) They also advise making sure that any poultry or eggs you eat are fully cooked and to avoid dishes that contain blood from animals. (1)
People who’ve been in contact with an infected bird may be given antivirals preventatively, as these medications can also help prevent infection.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three vaccines to prevent the H5N1 bird flu virus, and at least one is being held in reserve by the U.S. government in case an outbreak occurs. (8)
The seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t protect against avian flu.
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