Symptoms of Bird Flu

In the recent past bird flu like many other infectious epidemics made a huge population in various parts of the globe suffer and as per the medical reports of vulnerability several countries still run the risk of potential escalation of bird flu and in this regard a medical overview concerning the symptoms of bird flu is always appreciated. As the name suggests the infectious virus causing bird flu is carried by birds, particularly the pigeons, chickens and domestic as well as commercially procreated birds for food consumption. Bird flu can be a silent killer as it can spread very rapidly from one place to another and among people. Bird flu is also called as avian bird flu or according to the particular type of virus H5N1 and H7N9. Here we would like to present a general clinical description, definition of bird flu and its sub types before presenting the symptoms of bird flu.

Clinical description

Bird flu is basically a disease of influenza that is caused by a particular type of virus found in birds. Bird flu virus and its sub types can be found in many species of birds, but as humans most commonly come into contact with commercially produced or domestic birds for the food consumption needs of eggs and bird meet, particularly susceptible species include ducks, chickens, turkeys and geese. Bird flu can fast spread to commercial, wild and pet birds as well. The symptoms of bird flu is much similar to the flu caused by human flu virus and symptoms like aching muscles, high fever and chills and headache are common. In the recent past following massive attack of bird flu in several countries including china and many countries in Europe researchers found many subtypes of bird flu virus that pose potential threats. Some of the common sub types of avian bird flu virus include H5N1, H7N9, H7N3, H7N7, H9N2, etc.

Clinical symptoms

Bird flu produces symptoms that are grossly much similar to the common symptoms of influenza, yet bird flu is particularly dangerous as a silent killer viral disease as it can spread very rapidly among people and in quick succession can spread to cover population of many countries. Here are some of the most commonly diagnosed symptoms of bird flu.

1. A sudden fever or high body temperature is the most common of the symptoms of bird flu.
2. Dry cough with chest congestion is also one common symptom of the disease.
3. Sore throat and hoarseness of voice is another symptom pertaining to bird flu.
4. Bird flu causes a heavy head and headache that persists throughout.
5. Chill is also another symptom found in patients affected with bird flu.
6. Persistent fatigue is experienced along with joint and muscle pains.
7. Continuous sneezing with running nose is a symptom of bird flu.
8. People affected with bird flu also suffer from stomach upset or diarrhea.
9. Inability to sleep properly is one of the persistent symptoms of bird flu.