H5N1 outbreak: Cambodia reports 12th case this year; early symptoms to watch for
This is the 12th case of H5N1 infection from Cambodia, this year.
H5N1, also known as avian influenza or bird flu is originally found in birds, it has occasionally crossed over to humans, usually through close contact with infected poultry. Though rare, human infections tend to be serious and sometimes even deadly.
Despite its severity, many people are still unaware of how it presents in humans.
Here's what you should know.
It starts like any flu, but don't be fooled
The early signs of H5N1 infection can look just like the seasonal flu. That's why it often goes unnoticed in the beginning.
H5N1—also known as bird flu—isn't your average flu. It usually spreads from infected birds to people (think chickens, ducks, even cows lately), and while human cases are rare, they can be serious. So what should you watch out for if you've been around birds or on a farm?
At first, H5N1 can look a lot like the regular flu. You might get:
A high fever
Chills
Body aches
Cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Sounds familiar, right? But here's where it gets intense:
For some people, symptoms ramp up quickly. That means:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Fatigue that wipes you out
Diarrhea, nausea, or even vomiting
And in some serious cases—confusion, seizures, or coma
Unlike seasonal flu, H5N1 often goes straight for the lungs.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
It can cause pneumonia or even acute respiratory distress, which is why many people who get really sick end up in the ICU.
The tricky part? Symptoms can take 2 to 8 days to show up after exposure, so you might feel fine at first—then suddenly not.
H5N1 outbreak in the US
H5N1 bird flu has been spreading across U.S. farms since early 2024, with about 70 human cases—mostly from direct animal exposure—and a first fatality in Louisiana in January 2025.
The virus, especially the new D1.1 strain, has jumped into dairy cows, sparking concern over potential mutations that could boost human-to-human spread. While the CDC still rates overall risk as low, it warns that reduced surveillance and ongoing mammal infections make the situation unpredictable.
When should you see a doctor?
If you've recently handled poultry, been in live bird markets, or live in an area where bird flu has been reported, you need to be cautious even if your symptoms seem mild at first.
Seek medical attention immediately if:
Your fever doesn't go down after 48 hours
You're short of breath, or breathing feels harder than normal
You have chest pain or pressure
Your cough gets worse and includes blood
You feel confused, very sleepy, or unusually weak
You've had direct contact with birds in the past 10 days
Even if it turns out to be another illness, it's always better to rule out something serious early.
Treatment and why timing matters
It's also worth noting that antibiotics won't help, because H5N1 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Only targeted antiviral treatment can assist, alongside rest, hydration, and hospital support in severe cases.
Pay attention to your body. If you feel worse than usual, if your symptoms escalate fast, or if you have any exposure to birds, don't wait it out. Get checked. Most of all, take your health seriously. Your body often tells you when something's wrong, you just have to listen closely.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Top US doctor warns of common habits that are silently harming the gut
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi highlights common habits silently harming gut health. Eating too fast triggers bloating, while artificial sweeteners disrupt the gut microbiome. Skipping meals leads to insulin spikes, and sleep deprivation weakens the gut lining. Excessive painkiller use damages the digestive tract. Dr. At a time when we are constantly bombarded by food vloggers glorifying midnight junk food cravings and online wellness influencers pushing the so-called gut-detox drinks, a Harvard doctor is urging people to hit pause and pay closer attention to their everyday habits. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has shared a list of common habits that are silently destroying gut health. The gut doctor said that these common habits could be wreaking havoc on your digestive system. Let's take a look. Eating too fast Life has gotten so busy that many people barely take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Rushing through meals has become more common. Though many won't understand the danger behind it, Dr. Sethi warned that this habit can affect gut health. He noted that eating too fast can trigger bloating and acid reflux. When you eat too quickly, you often fail to chew your food properly. This forces the stomach to work harder to break down food, which can lead to discomfort and strain on the digestive system. The fix? Take your time. Give yourself at least 20 minutes per meal to improve digestion and reduce symptoms. Turning to artificial sweeteners Dr. Sethi has warned against using too many artificial sweeteners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Нов таблет с Android Pro 14 Murreice Купете сега Undo Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, found in many diet sodas and sugar-free products, may seem harmless, but can disrupt gut health. These sweeteners can alter the gut microbiome and potentially cause inflammation and digestive issues. Limiting artificial sweeteners and opting for natural alternatives, such as honey, if your health condition permits it, would be a better option. Skipping meals and later overeating Irregular eating habits can cause more harm than you think. Amidst work deadlines and personal duties, people tend to skip meals throughout the day, and then overeat at night. The gastroenterologist has warned that this habit may lead to insulin spikes and also put undue stress on the digestive system. This irregular pattern of eating can also lead to weight gain and gut inflammation over time. Focus on eating balanced meals at consistent times, do not starve your body, or overwhelm it with excess food. Balance is the key. Not getting enough sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) Among the many things people tend to sacrifice to squeeze in their personal or career goals is their sleep. However, sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your health, especially the gut. A restful sleep provides the gut time to rest for the next day. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts this process. Lack of sleep can weaken the gut lining and increase the risk of issues like leaky gut syndrome. Remember, sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep nightly. Excess use of painkillers Most of us have the habit of popping painkillers every now and then. But it may be doing more harm than good. Dr. Sethi has stressed that excessive use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) can damage the gut lining. NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and diclofenac can cause irritation, ulcers, or even bleeding in the digestive tract over time. Remember, NSAIDs are helpful but should be used sparingly. Brandon Gill's 'Uncivilised' Jab at Mamdani Sparks Cultural Backlash Online
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Top US doctor says one does not need liver detox, eating these vegetables daily does the job
Dr. Joseph Salhab highlights the importance of diet for liver health, recommending cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens such as collard greens. These vegetables naturally boost Phase II detox enzymes, aiding the liver's detoxification process. Incorporating these foods, along with regular exercise, supports optimal liver function without needing detox supplements. The liver is not just the largest organ in the human body, it performs over 500 vital functions, including the digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production, and blood filtration. The liver really keeps your body running smoothly behind the scenes, and yet most of us barely give it a second thought until something goes wrong. Liver disease is on the rise, with many being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But taking care of liver health does not really require fancy supplements or extreme detox. What you eat can significantly impact your liver health. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist, has now shared a list of vegetables he eats to keep his liver in the best shape possible. 'You don't need a 'liver detox' or cleanse,' Dr. Salhab said in a video shared on Instagram. He shared a list of vegetables he eats and added, 'These veggies naturally boost Phase II detox enzymes within your liver. Your liver already detoxifies your body, and good nutrition helps it work at its best. It's because they're high in compounds like sulforaphane, which help induce Phase II enzymes' Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage can help improve liver function. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo These vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that boosts Phase II enzymes. This compound has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating these vegetables can provide a protective effect on the liver. A 2007 study also confirmed that consuming Brassica vegetables like cabbage increased the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver. You can incorporate these veggies several times a week for maximum benefit. Leafy greens (All Images Courtesy: istock) Eat your greens, especially leafy greens, if you want to boost liver health naturally. The gastroenterologist noted that leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are excellent choices to improve liver function. These greens contain detox-active compounds that enhance liver efficiency. Swiss chard, which is lower in sulforaphane, however, contains other detox-supporting nutrients. He also suggests adding arugula and watercress, which can contribute to liver health by supporting enzyme activity. You can add watercress in salads, smoothies, or even eat it lightly sautéed. You can eat most of these vegetables raw or lightly cook them to preserve their nutrients. Avoid overcooking. You can add healthy fats like olive oil for better nutrient absorption. Along with a balanced diet, regular exercise has also been shown to improve liver function.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
7 science-backed tips to boost heart and brain health
Prioritizing heart and brain health is crucial in today's demanding lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting tobacco are essential steps. Getting enough sleep, managing cholesterol and blood sugar, and keeping blood pressure in check are also vital for overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Did you know that your brain fires more messages than all the phones in the world combined? Similarly, your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, in order to keep you alive, sharp, and thriving. While taking care of heart and brain health is extremely important, we often tend to add pressure to it with today's lifestyle. From sedentary habits to poor dietary choices, our modern lifestyle often works against the very organs we rely on the most. What's the fix? Well, the trick is in the basics. Here are 7 science-backed tips to boost your heart and brain. Eat better A balanced and nutritious diet is important for both the heart and the brain. The Mediterranean diet, which is loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, is heart-healthy. This diet reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Eating omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, is known to support cognitive function. It is also important to limit processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats to keep the arteries clear and brain cells sharp. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Stay active Regular exercise is crucial to strengthen the heart and improve brain health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. This could be moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking or cycling. A 2025 study found that even small amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity are associated with big reductions in dementia risk. Exercise does not really mean spending hours in the gym. Even small bursts of activity, like taking stairs or walking, can help. Quit tobacco Smoking does no favour for your heart or the brain. In fact, it's wreaking havoc on your health. Tobacco damages blood vessels and impairs brain function. Quitting tobacco lowers heart attack risk and also improves cerebral blood flow. Even vaping, which is often marketed as a safer option, still poses risks due to nicotine's impact on blood pressure. Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking. It's not for non-smokers, especially children and young people, to try. Get a good night's sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) A restful sleep is important for your overall well-being. Sleep is important for brain repair, as well as heart health. Aim for at least 7-9 hours nightly. A 2024 study found that poor sleep increases the risk of hypertension and cognitive decline. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Good sleep hygiene, such as limiting screen time before bed, avoiding coffee at least 2 or 3 hours before sleep, and creating a restful environment, can help. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update Keep cholesterol in check When the cholesterol levels go up, it clogs the arteries, which raises the risk of a heart attack and stroke. It can also affect memory. Monitoring LDL, the bad cholesterol, is important. One can maintain healthy levels through diet, exercise, or medication if needed. You will be able to catch these early on with regular check-ups. Blood sugar levels matter too Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. This can harm both the heart and the brain. Studies have found that stable glucose levels reduce cognitive decline risk in diabetics. Simple things like monitoring blood sugar, eating low-glycemic foods, and following medical advice can help. Keep blood pressure in check Hypertension, which is often called a silent killer, is one of the leading causes of chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It also increases the risk of dementia. Regular monitoring, stress management, and a low-sodium diet are important to regulate blood pressure.
