Share
Avian flu is also called as avian influenza or bird flu. This is caused by influenza A virus which infects both birds and humans. However, this virus is adapted to birds. The virus has affects both birds and humans and in some cases, it affects the birds initially and then mutates to affect the humans as well. Humans get infected either by contact with the infected poultry and contaminated surfaces or in direct contact with an infected person.
In the season of flu, you need to be more cautious about the symptoms of different types of flu. Almost all the symptoms for all kinds of flu are similar except one or two symptoms which is seen only in one type of flu. One of the most common avian flu symptoms is fever. Fever, cough and soreness in the muscles, sore throat and eye infection collectively form the general symptoms of avian flu. For any type of flu, you get unproductive dry cough unlike the cough with a cold which is productive. Soreness in the muscle may be mild or severe. Mild soreness can be is normal for fever with cold, but severe soreness in the joints, shoulders and muscles may be an indicator of avian flu.
One of the specific symptoms of avian flu is the eye infection. The whites of the eye may appear red or pink along with itching and pain. This is due to the avian flu virus that causes eye infection or conjunctivitis. So an eye infection with other avian flu symptoms asks for an examination by a qualified doctor. Generally these symptoms are seen after five or six days after the infection. The incubation period of the avian flu virus is not determined yet. Just with the symptoms of avian flu, avian influenza cannot be diagnosed. Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the same. The swab dipped in the throat or nose is tested for influenza virus in the initial stages.
Human to human infection is rare in the case of this infection, in majority of the cases; humans are infected by direct contact with either the infected bird or the excreta of the infected bird. Avian flu symptoms include a temperature of about 100°F with dry cough. A person showing the initial symptoms itself can be infected by the flu. So the people who haven't got it protect themselves by wearing face mask. Besides using face masks, washing hands frequently and before eating can eliminate the virus. Contact with poultry excrement or infected birds, cooking the eggs well, washing hands thoroughly, using face masks etc. are the best ways to prevent avian flu.
Viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are complications of avian flu. These complications are life threatening or fatal.
