Avian influenza

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Bird flu; H5N1

Symptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the strain of virus.

Infection with the H5N1 virus in humans causes typical flu-like symptoms, which might include:

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

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 during your office visit.

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Tests to identify the avian flu exist but are not widely available. A test for diagnosing strains of bird flu in people suspected of having the virus gives preliminary results within 4 hours. Older tests took 2 to 3 days.

Your doctor might also perform the following tests:

• Auscultation (to detect abnormal breath sounds )
• Chest x-ray
• Nasopharyngeal culture
• White blood cell differential

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

Review Date: 02/01/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).