Bird flu, or avian flu, is a type of the influenza virus that can infect both birds and humans. In humans the virus is particularly lethal, and the disease kills more than 50 percent of infected individuals. Outbreaks have occurred in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Bird flu usually affects people who have had close contact with birds. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is key. Proper recognition of the symptoms of avian flu can aid in early diagnosis.
Fever
One of the initial symptoms of bird flu is a fever, states the World Health Organization. The fever is typically more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The fever is the body's immune response to the viral infection. The fever becomes worse quickly and usually does not respond well to typical anti-fever medications.
Respiratory Symptoms
A sore throat and cough are common complaints in patients with avian flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. Respiratory symptoms are common in bird flu and the sore throat and cough may rapidly progress to difficulty in breathing. Almost all patients will then develop pneumonia if treatment is unsuccessful. If the disease is untreated respiratory failure can occur within days. Any patient with a history of close contact with birds, who is developing a rapidly worsening cough, should be tested for bird flu infection.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Patient suffering from bird flu often present with joint and muscle pain, reports the National Health Services UK. These symptoms are common in patients with any viral infection. For avian flu the symptoms develop three to five days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually last for seven days.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Avian flu can also cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to the World Health Organization. The diarrhea is characterized as watery and without any blood. This specific type of diarrhea can aid in the diagnosis of bird flu because most other types of seasonal influenza do not present with this symptom. The abdominal pain is usually a result either the typical muscle pain associated with the flu, or because of the frequent diarrhea.
Eye Infection
Patients who have contracted bird flu may complain of a mild eye infection, states the Mayo Clinic. This type of infection is called conjunctivitis, and is described as a reddening of the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This reddening is caused by irritation of these tissues. Rarely, this may be the only initial symptom of bird flu.
