How to Recognize the Symptoms of Bird Flu

The incubation period of avian influenza, or the amount of time that must pass between initial contact with the virus that causes the bird flu and the actual onset of symptoms, is not known. However, it is generally thought to be within one and five days of contact with the virus, so if you recognize symptoms shortly after having come into contact with birds, see your doctor as soon as possible. Read on to learn how to recognize symptoms of bird flu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Physician

1. Recognize that human-to-human transmission of the bird flu remains extremely rare. In the vast majority of cases, a human becomes infected after direct contact with an infected bird or its excrement. Take extra care when visiting poultry farms and open-air markets.
2. Have a doctor screen you for the avian influenza virus if you show symptoms of an eye infection that you cannot otherwise explain. Sometimes, eye redness and sensitivity are the only symptoms that will become apparent. Fortunately, such cases are mild and can generally be overcome with only moderate medical intervention.
3. Understand that the first signs of infection with avian influenza are aches and pains in the muscles and a dry cough. Treat the onset of such symptoms with suspicion, especially if you cannot recall having come into recent contact with a person who had the flu.
4. Watch for the initial symptoms progress into a scratchy sore throat and full-on fever. Most strains of the avian influenza never worsen beyond this level, and the disease at its worst commonly appears virtually identical to a nasty case of the common flu. It is, however, strongly recommended that you see a doctor to receive anti-viral medications that can prevent the onset of severe symptoms, in case you have a particularly nasty strain of the bird flu.
5. Know that the most dangerous strain of the virus, known as the "H5N1" strain, can cause life-threatening symptoms. Viral pneumonia can develop in addition to acute breathing difficulties, which can be fatal, particularly in children, the elderly and patients with compromised immune systems. Early and aggressive treatment is necessary to mitigate the possibility of the development of these difficult complications.

Tips & Warnings

• The anti-viral drugs used to treat the bird flu must be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to have an effect. If you recognize the symptoms of avian influenza, you should seek medical care immediately.