in Health
Bird Flu Infections: Workplaces at Risk?
A recent study indicated that the bird flu virus has adapted to mammal sialic acid receptors in humans’ upper respiratory tract. With the continued mutation of the virus, scientific and healthcare groups believe there is a possibility of a new pandemic. Thus, employers are strongly urged to prepare for the worst should employees be infected, not just by birds and other animals but by person-to-person cross-contamination.
This Pacific Prime UK article will delve into the bird flu virus and the possibility of a new pandemic, which workplaces will need to be mindful of.
Introduction to Bird Flu
Bird flu (also known as avian influenza or the H5N1 virus) is an infection that usually spreads from birds and other animals. Below are the general symptoms of bird flu.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Coughing
Bird flu in humans is commonly caused by a type of influenza-A virus, often H5N1, which can infect the upper respiratory tract and lungs or even spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain.
Humans can get infected with bird flu through contact with an infected animal’s body fluid, such as saliva, feces, urine, or respiratory droplets. You can also get infected when breathing in small dust particles in animal habitats or if you get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching said fluids.
You can prevent bird flu by wearing protective clothing such as masks, goggles, and gloves when working with birds or other animals, washing your hands frequently when handling said animals or after being in areas where they live, such as zoos or farms, and refraining from working with infected animals.
A Bird Flu Virus Spreading Beyond Birds!?
Since late March, three people in the United States have tested positive for bird flu through sick cows. While the flu-like symptoms were mild, scientists are alarmed that the virus is now spreading beyond birds.
According to Mercer’s clinical services consultant, Mary Kay O’Neill, there wasn’t any indication that the current form of the bird flu can easily transmit “from a dairy cow to a person and then person-to-person.” She added, however, that flu viruses constantly “change and mutate” and stressed that employers must be able to “address the risk of people getting it from other people.”.
Raising Awareness for Employers
As stated in a recent study published in Nature, the H5N1 virus has adapted to attacking the mammal sialic acid receptors found in humans’ upper respiratory tract. With the continued mutation of the virus, scientific and healthcare groups have speculated that there is a possibility of a new pandemic. Thus, production of bird flu vaccines is underway at Moderna.
O’Neill, while acknowledging that nobody wishes to think about a new pandemic, particularly due to surging hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19, strongly urges employers to plan ahead for bird flu infection in employees rather than being caught off guard.
She went on to consider this an “emergency preparedness drill,” encouraging employers to figure out “who should be at meetings” and what resources they have, as well as what hygienic measures they should take.
O’Neill suggested companies should bring back a COVID task force once more and consider what potential protective measures they’ll need in the event of another pandemic. For instance, a hybrid work structure and HEPA filters cleaning the air can really help employees avoid getting infected. If there is a case of bird flu infection in the employees, O’Neill suggested employers should be prepared to act by sending employees home or enforcing strict sanitation and mask policies.
Because the fatality rate for bird flu is around 50% globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), O’Neill strongly suggests employers remain vigilant of any developments in the H5N1 virus for public safety and business operations’ sake.
She went on to say people should “think through the lessons they learned” from the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized that while the potential bird flu pandemic is left in question, that “doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared.”.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, with the contamination through infected cows, the bird flu virus can now infect humans beyond birds. Whether or not another pandemic occurs, employers should not overlook the risk and prepare any potential measures to prevent such cases in the workplace.
These measures can be as simple as enforcing strict masking and sanitation policies or sending infected employees home so they can recover until they’re well enough to return.
While the risk of bird flu and a potential pandemic is an alarming situation, you can always craft a safety net for both you and your family with a health insurance plan. Having an adequate health insurance plan will help alleviate financial stress resulting from medical bills in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
While finding an appropriate health insurance plan may be daunting for some, especially with concerns about the bird flu infections increasing the likelihood of another pandemic, the process doesn’t always have to be a nightmare, and we’re very happy to help you.
As an experienced international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime UK can help both expats and local citizens find a suitable health insurance plan that not only ticks the boxes for their comfortable budget range but also their unique healthcare needs.
Whether you’re an expat in the UK or a local citizen yourself, we are more than happy to help you out. What’s more, we can go the extra mile by offering you completely impartial advice at no additional cost. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us or if you are interested in plan comparisons, get a free quote here.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts, Media & Communication major (concentration: Creative Content) from Mahidol University International College (MUIC). During the compulsory major elective period in the summer of 2021 and voluntarily during the summer of 2022, he also interned as a video and photo editor at Mbrella Films.
He has experience working as an English Content Writer at a real estate buying/renting/selling platform in Thonglor. There, he crafted company blog posts on a multitude of topics. Topics include market trends, legal issues and disputes in property businesses, financial guides, expat guides, home insurance, home decoration and maintenance, and weekly real estate news quick-recaps. Occasionally, as part of the blog-writing process, he would also translate existing Thai blogs to English.
In his free time, Guy enjoys doing scriptwriting and storytelling for comic strips, watching movies, and listening to music (particularly film scores).
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