Avian flu

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Avian flu or bird flu refers to one of several influenza type A viruses,[1] those most likely to cause concern in humans are

  • Influenza type A H5N1 (since 1997)
  • Influenza type A H5N6 (since 2014)
  • Influenza type A H5N8 (since 2016)
  • Influenza type A H7N9 (since 2013)[2]

While avian flu rarely infects humans, some variants have caused concern. Most strains of avian flu that can infect humans do not spread between people, and are caught from direct or indirect contact with poultry.[2]

Influenza vaccines[edit | edit source]

Annual influenza vaccines do not protect against avian flu, but do protect against other inflenza type A and B strains.[2]

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Types of Influenza Viruses". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Bird flu". National Health Service. October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2021.