New Delhi: After the deadly Avian Influenza virus was detected in parts of West Bengal, the virus spread to many part of Bengal.

However, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said there was no need to panic as there is no human case reported so far and that all measures are in place to stop the spread of the bird flu. The worry, whatsoever is mounting.

Dr Sudeep Budhirraj from Max Hospital tells you about bird flu and how to make sure that you are safe: According to Sr Budhiraj, bird flu or Avian Influenza is a highly infectious virus that normally infects birds.

But what's causing the trouble in humans is one of the subtypes called the H5N1 strain. It is transmissible from poultry to humans, resulting in severe disease, and is highly fatal. However, there's a second risk and even a bigger one, says Dr Budhiraj. Experts warn that this virus can change into a form that can spread from person to person.

If that happens, it will spread more quickly resulting in a global outbreak with no medicine/cure as of now. Some points to remember And the longer the present form of virus continues to circulate, the more real this threat could become. You are at risk if you work with the poultry or if you're living nearby.

Even inhaling the air or drinking water in the area contaminated with bird droppings or dust could lead to infection.

Be aware of flu like symptoms such as persistent cough, cold, fever, body ache and eye infection, which could rapidly develop into pneumonia or multi organ failure or even cause death. If you deal with the poultry, then wash your hands with soap and water every time you get in contact. You can also wear a mask.

Make sure that poultry products that you eat are well cooked. You could also get vaccinated against common flu as these are similar diseases. The H5N1 virus has already affected many parts of the world and the WHO has declared that the risk of a pandemic is great.

“In fact, in the present outbreak, mostly children and young adults have been infected and more than half of those infected with the virus have died. It is being treated with Tamiflu vaccine as of now but prevention is the real key,” says Dr Budhiraj.