Avian Influenza

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Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Avian Influenza

Alternative Names:

Bird flu; H5N1

Symptoms:

Symptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the particular strain of virus. In case of the H5N1 virus, infection in humans causes more classic flu-like symptoms, which might include:

Cough (dry or productive)
Sore throat
Fever > 100.4°F (38°C)
Difficulty breathing
Diarrhea
Runny nose
Headache
Malaise
Muscle aches

Signs and tests:

If you think you have been exposed to avian influenza, call your health care provider before your visit. This will give the staff a chance to take proper precautions that will protect them and other patients.

In February 2006, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved a new, faster test for diagnosing strains of bird flu in people suspected of having the virus. The test is called the Influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) Virus Real-time RT-PCR Primer and Probe Set. The test gives preliminary results within 4 hours. Older tests required 2 to 3 days.

Your doctor might also perform the following tests:

Chest x-ray
Nasopharyngeal culture
Blood differential
Auscultation (to detect abnormal breath sounds)

Other tests may be done to look at the functions of your heart, kidneys, and liver.

References:

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Laboratory Assay for Diagnostic Testing of Avian Influenza A/H5 (Asian Lineage). MMWR. February 3, 2006/55(Early Release);1.

World Health Organization. Cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1) reported to WHO. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2006. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/cases_table_2006_02_06/en/index.html.

Beigel JH, Farrar J, Han AM, et al. Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Humans. N Engl J Med 2005;353:1374-85.

Arias DC. Response Plans Prepare for Avian Influenza Outbreak: Progress Made on Vaccine for Flu Strain. The Nation’s Health 2005;35(8).

Review Date: 2/8/2006
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial. Previously reviewed by Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (October 2005).

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