Bird Flu Center

The symptoms of bird flu in humans are very similar to those of a normal flu. This is why only specialized medical staff can determine an exact diagnostic.

The most frequent bird flu symptoms are:

• sore throat
• cough
• fever
• aching muscles
• breathing difficulties

Depending on the type of virus and the ability of the organism to fight off the infection, more serious and potentially fatal complications may appear. These include eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and inflammation of the brain and heart. If respiratory failure occurs, it is most likely to cause the death of the subject. Also, it was observed that some of the victims of the bird flu in Vietnam presented other symptoms, such as diarrhea, seizures, while two children developed acute encephalitis.

The incubation period for the H5N1 virus is thought to be longer than that for the usual seasonal influenza, which is of 2-3 days. Current information indicate an incubation period of 8 to 10 days and in some cases up to 17 days. The victims of the bird flu virus present a very rapid deterioration of the their condition. In the most severe cases, clinicians have observed respiratory failure only three days ofter the onset of the symptoms.

It is advised that people do not panic at the first sign of such a symptom, as bird flu infections are still very rare among humans. Furthermore, the great majority of the infections took place as a result of contact from the victims with live infected birds. If you present such symptoms it is advisable that you see a doctor right away to make a clear diagnostic.