The outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring Tamil Nadu has raised concerns in Andhra Pradesh, prompting authorities to step up surveillance to prevent a possible spread of the virus. The alert comes after avian influenza was confirmed in dead crows in Chennai, with health officials issuing advisories and strengthening monitoring measures across bordering regions.
While such alerts are precautionary, outbreaks often trigger panic and misinformation. Here are five common bird flu myths you should stop believing.
Myth #1: Eating chicken or eggs causes bird flu
Fact: Bird flu is not a foodborne illness, and properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that people have been infected with avian influenza through properly handled and thoroughly cooked poultry or eggs. Cooking poultry at an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) kills viruses, including avian influenza.
Food safety practices such as proper cooking, hygiene, and avoiding cross-contamination significantly reduce any risk.
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Myth #2: Bird flu is always fatal in humans
Fact: Bird flu is not always fatal, and many cases can be mild, especially with early treatment. While some strains, such as H5N1, have shown high mortality rates historically.
According to public health data, symptoms can range from mild illness, such as fever, cough, or conjunctivitis, to more serious respiratory complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival and reduce complications.
Myth #3: Bird flu spreads easily from person to person
Fact: Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. Most human infections occur due to direct, close contact with infected birds, their saliva, mucus, droppings, or contaminated environments. Health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), state that sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed.
However, the influenza viruses can evolve.
Myth #4: Vegetarians cannot get bird flu
Fact: Diet alone does not determine risk; exposure does. Bird flu spreads primarily through contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, not simply through food consumption. Vegetarians can still be at risk if they handle infected birds, live near outbreaks, or come into contact with contaminated environments.
Avoiding direct exposure to sick or dead birds is the most important preventive step.
Myth #5: Bird flu only affects birds
Fact: Bird influenza primarily affects birds, yet strains H5N1 and H7N9 are known to transmit to human and animal populations.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.