Bird flu
About Bird flu
A type of influenza (flu) virus that normally only infects birds. One particular bird flu, called H5N1, is common in birds around the world, but only rarely gets passed to humans, or from one human to another. However, when humans do get infected with this virus, they often become very seriously ill. The virus is almost always passed to humans when they handle sick birds. Bird flu outbreaks have occurred in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. Bird flu is also known as avian influenza.Symptoms
The first symptoms are similar to the regular flu: cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and red swollen eyes. As the disease worsens patients experience breathing problems, fainting, low blood pressure and death.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A nose swab test may be performed and a sample sent to the laboratory for testing to confirm the presence of the virus. If a lung infection (pneumonia) is suspected a chest x-ray may be done. Other blood tests and cultures may be performed if the infection is serious.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the primary medications used to treat bird flu. Other treatment will be performed based on the complications of the infection. Other treatments may include: insertion of a breathing tube (intubation), intravenous fluids, medications to support blood pressure (pressors), and admission into an intensive care unit.Medical specialties
Pulmonology · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Pulmonology · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Bird flu.