Definition

Avian influenza is a strain of influenza virus that mostly infects birds. It is often called the bird flu.

In Asia and Africa, some bird flu has infected people. H5N1 is a strain that can cause serious illness and death.

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Causes

Bird flu is caused by a certain influenza type A virus. The virus is common among wild and domestic birds. It rarely infects humans. Sometimes the virus can mutate (change). This allows it to infect humans.

The virus is passed through contact with an infected bird's:

• Saliva or blood
• Nose secretions
• Droppings (poop)

People do not get bird flu from eating well-cooked poultry or eggs. The virus rarely passes from one human to another. When it does, it is usually a weak version of the virus.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of bird flu are:

• Close contact with infected poultry (wild or domestic ducks, geese, chickens, or turkeys)
• Recent travel to an area where there are bird flu outbreaks, such as:
  • Asia
  • the Middle East
  • Northeast Africa

Symptoms

Symptoms of bird flu may be:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Loose stools (poop) and/or vomiting
• Belly and chest pain

More severe infections can lead to pneumonia or serious organ failure.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may ask about close contact with infected poultry or recent travel.

A nasal swab or blood tests can be done to look for the virus.

Treatment

There is no cure for bird flu. Antiviral medicines can help ease symptoms and the length of illness. Medicine work best if started within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

Prevention

The overall risk of getting bird flu is small. To help reduce the risk:

• Get a yearly flu vaccine.
• Do not travel to areas where there are bird flu outbreaks.
• Avoid contact with poultry that could be infected. This includes farms or open-air markets.
• Wash your hands often if exposure to the flu virus is possible.

There is a vaccine to protect against H5N1 in adults aged 18 to 64. It will be made available if there is an outbreak.