WHAT IS BIRD (AVIAN) FLU

Bird flu is a type of flu virus that occurs in birds. In rare cases, this virus can spread to people, usually through contact with an infected bird. In a very few cases, bird flu has been spread from one person to another. In humans, the bird flu is often very serious and can cause death. People with the bird flu may have a fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and eye infections.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BIRD (AVIAN) FLU 

Some of the symptoms of Bird Flue are: 

• Body aches or pains

• Confusion,

• Fatigue,

• Headache,

• Shortness of breath,

• Loss of consciousness,

• Pain or discomfort,

• Diarrhea,

• Fever,

• Gritty or scratchy eyes,

• Sore throat 

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Physical examination, questions about symptoms and medical history. May also require a swab test from the nose or throat to ascertain the infection.

Treatment: Bird flu is usually treated with antiviral medications. Treatment is usually most effective if started early.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

See your doctor right away or seek emergency care if you have flu symptoms and have had contact with sick poultry or wild birds, or you have traveled to an area of the world where bird flu occurs.