Protect Yourself: Avian Influenza Signs and Symptoms in Humans
Avian influenza refers to infection of birds with Avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. The risk of humans contracting HPAI from infected birds is very, very low. However, sporadic human infections with Avian influenza viruses have occurred, mostly following direct or close contact with infected poultry. Illness in humans with infected poultry has ranged from mild to severe.
The signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans range from no symptoms or mild illness such as eye redness or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms to sever illness such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization. Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
For additional information on Avian Influenza in humans, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
