Recent problems, among instance, the present high cases recorded with bird flu cause individuals to doubt its severity in comparison with COVID-19 as well as seasonal influenza. Though all three are respiratory diseases brought on by various viruses, they clearly have diverse effects on human health.
Stated more generally as Avian Influenza, bird flu is an infection brought on by influenza virus types mostly affecting birds. Sometimes the virus does infect people, though it is a direct contact infection from contaminated surroundings or sick birds. Severe forms of avian flu, H5N1 and H7N9 have fatality rates in humans sometimes rather high. Unlike COVID-19 and seasonal flu, bird flu is not as readily transmitted between people; so, its contagiousness will be lowered for major outbreaks. Once infected, though, it can soon give rise to severe coughing, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure.
Emerging last year toward the end of 2019, COVID-19 is a newly identified infection brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is spread by respiratory droplets, hence human-to- human transmission is rather effective. From relatively mild flu-like illness to pneumonia and life-threatening complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), blood clots, and long-term health implications known as “long COVID,” COVID-19 can present a spectrum of symptoms. Particularly among older folks and those with underlying diseases, COVID-19 is a continuous global health hazard even with vaccinations and improved therapies developing.
Usually referred to as the flu, seasonal influenza is an infection brought on by influenza A and B viruses. Usually in the colder months, it travels quickly and results in annual global outbreak of disease. Although flu symptoms are comparable to those of COVID-19āfever, coughing, body pains, and tirednessāfor most people the sequelae are less severe. Still, influenza can be lethal for young children, the elderly, and others with compromised immune systems. Still the best defense against the flu is vaccination; it lessens disease severity and helps to avoid hospitalizations.
The fact that COVID-19 has been the most prevalent and disruptive due of its high rate of transmission and possibility to cause serious disease helps one to compare all three viruses. Though it is a quite restricted threat since it does not readily transfer from human to human, bird flu is more fatal on an individual case basis. A seasonal familiar disease, influenza is controlled by vaccination and antiviral therapy.
Health professionals say early medical intervention, adequate cleanliness, and vaccination are the greatest strategies to avoid respiratory illnesses. This is so because maintaining current and implementing preventative actions will help lower the hazards and guarantee public health safety when new varieties and strains keep arising.
