Bird Flu Symptoms
Bird flu is a disease caused by a number of strains of the Influenza A virus. Till date, 14 strains of the virus have been known to cause bird flu. These virus strains show a special adaptation towards birds. Thus, the virus preferentially attaches itself to certain galactose receptors, found in the respiratory tract of birds.
These receptors are absent in humans. Thus, even though the virus is known to infect humans, it is not very capable of transmitting itself from one human to another. However, scientists fear that the virus may undergo some mutation and start infecting humans as well. This may lead to another flu pandemic, like the many, influenza has caused.
Bird Flu Symptoms
Bird flu symptoms range from mild to severe ones. In some cases, individuals have been known to recover from bird flu, however a majority of individuals, who have been infected, have been killed. The symptoms of bird flu are similar to those of the normal influenza suffered by humans. Let us have a look at some of them:
- In the initial stage that lasts for about 7 to 8 days, the person may suffer from high fever. His body temperature may be as high as 104 ° Fahrenheit. In some cases, the fever subsides after a week. However, a lasting fever is also not uncommon.
- The person may also suffer from fatigue and may be too tired to leave his bed for a few days.
- The person can also have a runny nose and a sore throat. Also, the person may suffer from severe body ache, especially in the lower part of the back and in the legs.
- Bird flu may also affect the person's eyes and he may have various infections like conjunctivitis.
- Diarrhea and abdominal pains are also not uncommon bird flu symptoms.
- Pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs is often a secondary infection, that is caused along with bird flu. It is characterized by a dry cough, pain in the chest, breathlessness etc. It is pneumonia, that often leads to the death of individuals suffering from bird flu.
Birds, especially poultry and wild fowl are known carriers of the bird flu virus. Usually, the birds show no symptoms, even when they are carrying the virus. However, in some cases, characteristic symptoms have been seen, that might make it easier to identify, if the bird is suffering from the disease. Some of them are as follows:
- The birds may die of sudden respiratory failure. Even if this occurs for only a bird or two among your flock, you should consult the veterinary surgeon to perform the necessary check up.
- The birds may also lose their appetite and start producing a significantly lower number of eggs.
- The heads of the poultry may get swollen.
Precautions to take, if Bird Flu Symptoms are encountered
- In case bird flu symptoms are encountered in fowl, the ones showing the symptoms should be kept in isolation and a vet should be consulted immediately.
- In humans, flu-like symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses. Thus, if bird flu is not known to be around, you can wait for a day or two to see, if the symptoms subside. Otherwise, you should consult the doctor immediately.
- In case you decide to wait for a day or two, you should take rest during the period as far as possible. Also, you should drink lots of fluids, especially hot ones like tea or soup.