Avian Influenza (bird flu) Symptoms
Bird flu also called fowl plague is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Symptoms of Avian influenza
Incubation period for bird flu in humans isn't clear, illness seems to
develop within one to five days of exposure to the virus. Sometimes the only
indication of the disease is a relatively mild eye infection (conjunctivitis).
But more often, signs and symptoms of bird flu resemble those of conventional
influenza, including:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Cough
People with the most virulent type of bird flu virus may develop
life-threatening complications, particularly viral pneumonia and acute
respiratory distress, the most common cause of bird flu-related deaths.
See your doctor immediately if you develop flu
symptoms, including a fever, cough and body aches, and have recently traveled to
a part of the world where bird flu occurs. Be sure to let your doctor know when
and where you were traveling and whether you visited any farms or open-air
markets. Doctors have rapid tests to identify
the flu virus, but the tests can't distinguish between avian flu and other
influenza A viruses.
Avian Influenza Symptoms to I
|
