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Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is bird flu? " � Bird flu (also known as "avian influenza " �) is a type of flu that normally happens in birds. In rare cases, it has spread from infected birds to humans. Even though bird flu is rare in humans, when it does happen it is usually severe. � �
There are a few different types (also called "strains " �) of bird flu. Cases of one strain of bird flu called "H5N1 " � have occurred in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In January of 2014, there was even a case of it in Canada in a person who had traveled to China. More than 640 people have developed H5N1 bird flu since 1997, and about 60 percent of those people have died. H5N1 can make people very sick. In March and April of 2013, doctors found a new strain of bird flu in people in China called "H7N9. " � Cases have also occurred in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. By mid-February of 2014, more than 300 people had gotten sick from this strain, many of whom had died. � �
Many people who have gotten bird flu were around sick or dead birds in the week before they got sick. Scientists think that people who get bird flu usually get it from sick birds. But if the virus that causes bird flu changes or "mutates, " � it might become possible for bird flu to be passed from one person to another. In fact, new strains of the bird flu continue to emerge. � �
What are the most common symptoms of bird flu? " � The most common symptoms are different for different strains of bird flu. So far, all strains tend to cause: � �
  • Fever (temperature higher than 100 � � � or 37.8 � � �)
  • Cough
  • Trouble breathing

Other symptoms might include: � �
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache or body aches
  • Feeling confused
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose

Is bird flu dangerous? " � Yes, bird flu can be very dangerous. It can cause severe illness. More than half of the people who get H5N1 bird flu die. Around 3 in 10 people who get H7N9 bird flu die. People with bird flu are much more likely to have severe illness and to die than people with seasonal flu. � �
How can I protect myself from bird flu? " � In general, its a good idea to: � �
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand rubs.
  • Stay away from sick people or animals.
  • Stay away from chickens and other birds in countries where there are outbreaks of bird flu. This includes markets that sell live birds.

What should I do if I get symptoms of bird flu? " � Call your doctor of nurse right away if you have been around sick or dead birds or have traveled in a country that has had cases of bird flu. Do not leave your house unless your doctor or nurse tells you to go to a clinic or hospital. Many people with bird flu need to be in the hospital. � �
While you are at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can also take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) to relieve fever and aches. � �
Do not give aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin to children younger than 18. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome. � �
Take your child to the doctor if he or she: � �
  • Starts breathing fast or has trouble breathing
  • Starts to turn blue or purple
  • Is not drinking enough fluids
  • Will not wake up or doesn't react to you
  • Is so fussy that he or she does not want to be held
  • Gets better from the flu but then gets sick again with a fever or cough
  • Has a fever with a rash

If you go to a walk-in clinic or a hospital because you think you have bird flu, tell someone right away why you are there. The staff will ask you to wear a mask or to wait somewhere where you are less likely to spread your infection. � �
Can bird flu be treated? " � Yes, people with bird flu usually get medicines called "anti-viral medicines. " � These medicines can help people avoid some of the problems caused by bird flu. Antibiotics DO NOT WORK on the flu. � �
What if I am pregnant? " � Any kind of flu can be very dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, it is very important that you get vaccinated against seasonal flu. You should also avoid taking care of anyone who has the flu. � �
If you are pregnant, call your doctor or nurse right away if: � �
  • You might have been near someone with the flu.
  • You think you might be coming down with the flu. In pregnant women, the symptoms of the flu can get worse very quickly. The flu can even cause trouble breathing or lead to death of the woman or her baby. That is why it is so important to talk to doctor or nurse as soon as you notice any flu symptoms.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83059 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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