The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is one of the most serious forms of flu that humans can become sick with. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of all people who become sick with the avian flu die from its complications. The strain of avian flu most commonly seen in humans is known as H5N1 and is extremely rare. No matter how rare it is, avian flu is a serious illness that can be deadly.
Fever and Cough
Because this is a viral infection, the body will try to fight it off. The body will produce white blood cells to destroy the virus. This will cause the body temperature to rise, which is called a fever. The fever that occurs with the avian flu is often accompanied by chills and sweats. A cough will also develop rather quickly and could start as an itchy feeling in the throat.
Body Aches
The avian flu will cause body aches similar to that of the regular seasonal flu. The muscles will ache and become sore. The neck will become sore and the lymph nodes can swell. This will be accompanied by sore throat and fever.
Headache
The avian flu will cause a severe headache. It generally starts at the base of the neck and travels up the back of the head until the entire head is hurting. This headache can develop into a migraine, complete with photosensitivity and nausea. Even though pain relievers may help, the headache will not go away completely.
Pneumonia
One of the most serious complications of avian flu is respiratory illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that serious respiratory ailments, such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia, can occur due to avian flu. Pneumonia occurs when the lungs are unable to rid themselves of mucus and the mucus begins to build up inside the lungs. It can affect one lung or both lungs, and if it is allowed to progress can cause the lungs to collapse. This can be deadly if immediate medical attention is not sought.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The World Health Organization says that a case of the bird flu that started out as a slightly runny nose and conjunctivitis. Since then, conjunctivitis has been commonly seen in avian flu cases. The eye will become red and itchy. It can burn and feel swollen. Eventually, it may swell together and begin to discharge yellowish pus from the corners of the eyes. It is possible to wake up with the eye swollen shut or matted together from pus.
