What knowledge is there about the prevention and treatment of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza

H7N9 avian influenza is a typical type of avian influenza, which is very harmful and has caused panic. Therefore, even if this disease does not occur in us, we must have a comprehensive understanding of the prevention and treatment of H7N9 avian influenza, so that we can prevent it before it happens and ensure that no unexpected situations occur. So, what is the knowledge about prevention and treatment of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza? Let’s take a closer look below.

1. What is the influenza (H7N9) virus?

Influenza H7 viruses are typically a group of influenza viruses that circulate in birds. Influenza virus (H7N9) belongs to a subgroup under the H7 virus category. Although there have been occasional reports of human infection with certain H7 viruses (H7N2, H7N3, H7N7), there have been no reports of human infection with the H7N9 virus until the recent reports from China.

2. Why can avian viruses now infect humans?

At present, we do not know the answers to the above questions because the source of exposure to the virus in humans is unclear. But genetic analysis of the virus shows that although it evolved from an avian influenza virus, it exhibits properties that allow it to adapt to growth in mammals. These adaptations include the ability to bind to mammalian cells and to grow at temperatures close to the normal body temperature of mammals (which is lower than that of birds).

3. How is the influenza (H7N9) virus different from the influenza H1N1 and H5N1 viruses?

Yes, all three are influenza A viruses, but they have distinct differences. H7N9 and H5N1 are considered animal influenza viruses that only occasionally infect humans. H1N1 viruses can be divided into two types: those that usually infect humans and those that usually infect animals.

4. What are the common clinical manifestations of human infection with avian influenza? How are the clinical manifestations of H7N9 avian influenza infection cases different?

The incubation period for human infection with avian influenza is generally less than 7 days. The early symptoms are very similar to those of common influenza, mainly manifested as fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, and general discomfort. Some patients may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A few patients may have conjunctivitis. Most patients have a short course of illness, recover quickly, and have good prognosis without sequelae. However, a small number of patients, especially older patients who are not treated in time, will rapidly develop progressive pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can lead to death if not treated in time.

The currently confirmed cases of H7N9 avian influenza infection mainly present as typical viral pneumonia with an acute onset and respiratory infection symptoms such as high fever (above 38°C) and cough in the early stages of the disease. Breathing difficulties and severe pneumonia appear 5-7 days after onset and progressively worsen. Some cases can rapidly develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.

5. What is the source of infection of human avian influenza virus? Is the source of infection of the current human infection with H7N9 avian influenza different?

The main way for humans to be infected with avian influenza virus is contact with sick poultry, that is, the secretions or excrement of sick poultry are transmitted to humans through the respiratory tract via airborne droplets.

The H7N9 influenza virus that infects humans this time is an avian influenza virus from the perspective of viral biology. Previously, most of the H7 subtype influenza viruses that have infected humans discovered internationally also came from poultry. However, as of now, the specific source of infection for the confirmed cases is still unclear.

The above is an introduction to the knowledge of prevention and treatment of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza. I hope it will be helpful to everyone. There is still a lot of knowledge about the prevention and control of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza, but it is not very complicated. In order to prevent unnecessary panic caused by avian influenza, we must have a clear understanding of the situation in this regard to ensure that we can handle it correctly.