 Symptoms of Bird Flu / Avian Influenza in Humans
In known cases where humans have contracted the H5N1 bird flu virus,
symptoms have included those commonly associated with human
influenza such as: aching muscles, sore throat, fever and cough
through to eye infections and lethargy. However, the condition of an
avian flu infected person is likely to deteriorate further with the
onset of more serious complications like acute pneumonia,
respiratory problems and organ failure. Even in young, seemingly fit
and healthy persons such symptoms can quickly overwhelm a body's
natural defense system and may prove fatal.
No
Obvious Symptoms During
The First 48 Hours of Infection
If a new strain of the avian flu virus
emerges, other symptoms in humans may arise in addition to, or
instead of, those already mentioned. Furthermore, it is important to
understand that symptoms might not become evident until at least 48
hours after a person has become infected, moreover it could be
possible for a person that is yet to show any symptoms to transmit
the virus to other people. If an individual is showing symptoms of a
bird flu infection,
medical help should be sought immediately for both the infected person
and any others that have been in close contact with them. An attempt
should also be made to isolate all those that are considered to be
at risk of having contracted the virus until medical advice has been
given.
Those living within close proximity of a person suspected of
being infected should also remain
on high alert for signs of any single symptom that may give rise to
the possibility that they too have
contracted the virus. Anyone in doubt should seek advice from a
medical specialist without delay.
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