Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Main Page

Avian Flu (Avian Influenza)

Signs and symptoms

Bird flu viruses are complex, with a number of subtypes and strains that vary considerably from one another. In the broadest terms, however, the viruses are classified as having a low or high chance of causing disease (low or high pathogenicity).

Among birds, the effects of low pathogenic viruses are usually minor — ruffled feathers or reduced egg production. But highly pathogenic forms cause severe disease, including respiratory distress, and almost 100 percent mortality in susceptible species. In some cases, domestic birds may die the same day symptoms appear.

Scientists don't yet know just how these subtypes affect humans, but highly pathogenic viruses appear to cause the most serious problems — and the greatest number of deaths — in both people and animals.

Although the exact incubation period for bird flu in humans isn't clear, illness seems to develop within one to five days of exposure to the virus. Sometimes the only indication of the disease is a relatively mild eye infection (conjunctivitis). But more often, signs and symptoms of bird flu resemble those of conventional influenza, including:

• Cough

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Muscle aches

People with the most virulent type of bird flu virus — (A) H5N1 — may develop life-threatening complications, particularly viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress, the most common cause of bird flu-related deaths.

[Homepage] [Software] [Search]

© Copyrights PakMed Biomedical Solutions

Optimized for Java-script enabled Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, at screen resolution of 800 by 600 pixels.

Microsoft and the Office logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.