Bird flu - what happens when you eat a chicken that's been infected?

The UK continues to be affected by one of the worst avian flu outbreaks in its history, with the virus being detected across 155 sites so far in the country and 47.5m birds being culled since last autumn, according to new figures.

Though outbreaks in previous years. have declined with warmer weather, the spread has continued throughout the summer this time, leading to fears of highly pathogenic variants of the disease.

The National Farmers' Union(NFU) has said that avian flu H5N1 has been confirmed in captive birds, poultry and wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland.

With worries over impact on livestock and Christmas turkey supplies among farmers mounting, here's what you need to know about how avian flu spreads.

How does avian flu spread to humans?

Symptoms of bird flu tend to come on quickly, with first signs usually appearing in three to five days of being infected (Getty Images)

According to the NHS, bird flu spreads by close contact with an infected bird (dead or alive).

This includes:

• touching infected birds
• touching droppings or bedding
• killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking

Can you eat cooked chickens infected by bird flu?

As long as you make sure to cook your chicken and eggs well before eating them, there is no risk of the bird flu spreading to you (Getty Images)

The WHO guidelines have made it clear that it's safe to eat well-cooked poultry and birds, even if they were infected by avian flu.

The avian flu virus is sensitive to heat and cooking it thoroughly will kill the virus. It's been found that if all parts of the food reach 70 degrees celsius, the virus will be killed.

So, as long as you make sure to cook your chicken and eggs well before eating them, there is no risk of the bird flu spreading to you. Also ensure you buy eggs and chicken from a trusted vendor.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

These are the main symptoms of bird flu in humans according to the NHS:

• a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
• aching muscles
• headache
• a cough or shortness of breath.

Other early symptoms may include:

• diarrhoea
• sickness
• stomach pain
• chest pain
• bleeding from the nose and gums
• conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of bird flu tend to come on quickly, with first signs usually appearing in three to five days of being exposed.

It's possible for the infection to develop into more severe complications like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome, within days of symptoms appearing.

It's important to get treatment quickly, using antiviral medicine to prevent complications and reduce the risk of developing severe illness.

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