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Avian Bird Flu – Avian Influenza Symptoms

The avian influenza virus is the type of flu infection that you acquire from infected birds. Domestic birds like chicken and wild birds such as ducks can be the carriers of this killer disease. Specifically, fifteen strains of influenza A virus are known to afflict the bird population. Therefore, we can conclude that birds (domestic or not) can become the natural host of the deadly virus.

Many of the numerous strains of influenza virus cause little or no symptoms at all. In spite of this, some particular influenza strains from birds can cause a fast, fatal and contagious disease. One of which would be avian, H5N1 or H1N1 influenza. It is also known to be a highly pathogenic virus that invades humans and can cause fatalities.

Currently, humans do not hold a natural immunity against this virus. So, it is very important to report influenza signs and symptoms at an early time so negative changes can be avoided. It is also very important to stop the distribution of the infection so people in a different place will not be contaminated with the potentially incurable disease.

Avian Influenza Signs And Symptoms In Birds

Before humans get infected with this virus, the birds usually spread the infection through numerous means. Humans can get contaminated through their saliva, feces and nasal secretions. The birds become susceptible to the strain of virus when they come in contact with contaminated excretions such as on surfaces and in food.

Typically, influenza signs and symptoms experienced by the bird include laziness or decrease in their normal activity, a decrease in egg production, breathing problems and difficulties, swelling of the head, muscle paralysis, loose bowel movement and eventually death.

Avian Influenza Signs And Symptoms In Humans

Avian influenza signs and symptoms in humans appear comparable to the ones experienced with any other flu. Cough, headache, tiredness, sore throat, muscle aches and conjunctivitis are among the most commonly reported influenza signs and symptoms. The bird flu even adds more damage by making an infected person subject to pneumonia and other breathing problems. Before the condition gets worse, it is essential to obtain the proper influenza symptoms treatment. If not addressed at an early time, fatality among infected humans can be expected.

To prevent yourself from getting the virus, you must follow the basic precautions related to it. You must also keep a healthy immune system to help you thwart off the infection. Remember, a person becomes susceptible to disease if his immune resistance is compromised.