Avian flu, or bird flu, is a type of influenza that primarily infects birds. In rare cases, this can spread to humans, causing severe illness. Though multiple strains of the influenza A virus cause avian flu, four types have caused serious concern. A few H5N1, H5N8, and H3N8 infection cases in humans have been reported worldwide. The flu can be transmitted to humans when they touch or breathe in infected birds’ saliva, mucus, or droppings.

Symptoms
The symptoms of bird flu may vary from person to person. Also, it usually takes 3 to 5 days for the manifestations to first appear after getting infected.

Fever
One of the symptoms of avian flu is that the infected person will have a fever of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Cough
A dry cough that lasts for days is another symptom of avian flu.
Body and muscle aches
The fever is usually accompanied by body and muscle aches.
Sore throat
The infection may give individuals a scratchy or burning feeling in the back of the throat.
Stuffy or runny nose
Avian flu may also give one a stuffy or runny nose and can last for days.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
People with bird flu more commonly have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Some may develop severe respiratory complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and even respiratory failure. Severe cases of avian flu might also cause one to experience neurologic symptoms like seizures, and they can lead to death.

Causes
Avian flu usually spreads between birds. The transmission from birds to humans is due to exposure to infected birds, their saliva, or droppings. One can also contract this disease by touching a contaminated surface. The virus is either inhaled or enters the body when one touches their nose, eyes, or mouth with unclean hands. Humans can also get the virus from consuming undercooked meat or eggs from infected birds.

Risk factors
As with any other virus, the risk of avian flu is higher if any of the following categories apply:

Travelers visiting a foreign country that had an avian flu outbreak
People with a weak immune system
People aged 65 years or more
Pregnant women
Healthcare workers
Poultry farmers
Persons exposed to infected birds

Though the transmission of avian flu from one infected person to another is very rare and the known cases were limited to a few people, the viral mutations may render them the ability to spread rapidly between people.

Testing
People who have had exposure to sick birds should get themselves screened. A nasal swab test can detect both seasonal and novel influenza A viruses, such as H5N1. The results are more accurate when the sample is taken within the first few days of the appearance of symptoms. The swab sample is sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the type of virus.

The avian flu virus is diagnosed by collecting saliva from the upper respiratory tract during the first few days of illness. For people with severe symptoms, the sample is taken from the lower respiratory tract and sent for testing. It is difficult to detect bird flu in individuals who have recovered.

Treatment
Getting treated quickly, as soon as the symptoms appear, may reduce the risk of developing severe illness. The treatment for avian flu is almost similar to that of seasonal flu. Bird flu should be treated with antivirals for at least five days or until symptoms improve. It is advisable to stay in isolation at home or hospital to avoid spreading the virus to others. Antivirals help reduce flu symptoms, shorten the period of illness, and can potentially reduce serious complications. Some people with severe infections are to be hospitalized. Those infected should also do the following:

Drink plenty of fluids
It is important to stay hydrated when one has flu symptoms.
Rest
Enough rest will help in early recovery.
Wash hands often
Those infected should wash their hands often with warm water and soap.

Prevention
By following the below tips, one can protect yourself from getting the flu.

Avoid direct or indirect contact with infected birds, especially their saliva, droppings, and secretions.
Avoid touching the face without washing hands.
Avoid poultry farms and markets
Practice good handwashing techniques
People working in poultry farms should wear personal protective equipment and follow good hand hygiene.
Make sure the poultry or eggs eaten are fully cooked.

Avian flu is expected to continue in the coming years. As the H5N1 virus continually mutates, the vaccines currently available are less likely to work in case of future bird flu. Taking preventative measures is the only way to protect individuals from catching the flu.