Bird flu symptoms

The symptoms of human avian influenza have been relatively similar to those of common influenza in the cases of previously reported infections, however, they were often significantly more severe and those affected were more prone to complications such as pneumonia. Usually avian influenza, caused by certain influenza viruses, is a danger to birds only. In the past, however, several influenza viruses have passed from birds to humans and have caused serious, often deadly, infections.

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Transfer to humans
Flu-like symptoms at the beginning
Severe disease

Transmission of bird flu to humans

The influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype, whose highly pathogenic Asian variant was first detected in China in 2003 and has already infected millions of people worldwide according to experts' estimates, are among the avian influenza agents that have been proven to infect humans. Recently, a human pathogenic variant of the bird flu virus H7N9 has also been reported in China, which has claimed several lives within a short time. Whether this variant can be transferred from person to person has not yet been conclusively clarified. Although many of the infected people had close contact with poultry, this does not apply to all patients. The development of an avian influenza virus, which can be transmitted from person to person, is one of the most dreaded scenarios among epidemiologists worldwide.

Flu-like symptoms at the beginning of bird flu

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a relatively high mortality rate for both H5N1 and H7N9 infections, however, bearing in mind potential statistical bias, as it usually only detects infections that are already severe. Of these, logically many mortally end. The typical symptoms of avian flu are initially similar to those of conventional flu and usually include high fever, cough, sore throat and occasional dyspnea. In rare cases, sufferers also suffer from diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. According to WHO, the first signs of the disease can be observed in H5N1 infection after two to eight days of incubation. However, it may take more than two weeks between exposure to the virus and the onset of the first symptoms.

Severe illness of bird flu

In the further course of the disease, those infected with avian flu often develop further complaints such as conjunctivitis, pneumonia, white blood cell deficiency, anemia or thrombocytopenia (deficiency of blood platelets). The kidneys of those affected are sometimes affected and they suffer from renal insufficiency - at worst, to kidney failure. In addition, the pneumonia can lead to acute lung failure. In addition, as the avian influenza virus causes a much more dramatic defense reaction of the organism than conventional influenza viruses, a relatively large number of infected people suffer a so-called toxic shock. In the end, a bird flu disease is often a fatal multi-organ failure. This can be initiated by both kidney failure and thrombocytopenia or lung failure. (Fp)

Picture 2: Aka