Avian influenza A(H5N1): Symptoms and treatment

Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect humans and other mammals. There are many types of avian influenza, which are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus (e.g., H5N1, H7N3, H9N2). Avian influenza A(H5N1) illness is caused by the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.

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Symptoms of avian influenza A(H5N1)

Human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) are rare and mostly occur after close contact with infected birds or highly contaminated environments such as poultry farms or live bird markets (see "Who is most at risk ").

Some infected people may not develop any symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do develop, illness can range from mild to very severe, including death. It usually takes from 1 to 5 days, and occasionally longer, for symptoms to appear after exposure.

Symptoms often start with:

Other early symptoms may include:

In rare cases, the infection may progress quickly to:

In severe cases, the infection may also lead to multi-organ failure, which can include kidney and liver dysfunction and cardiac impairment, and lead to death.

Approximately half of the over 800 human cases reported around the world since 1997 (mostly in Africa and Asia), have been fatal.

If you become ill

Contact a health care provider immediately if you:

AND

Tell your health care provider that you may have been exposed to avian influenza.

Isolate away from others and follow measures which help reduce the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses, including respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing), physical distancing, wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible, regular hand hygiene, improving indoor ventilation (e.g., opening windows), and regularly cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects.

Diagnosing avian influenza A(H5N1)

A laboratory test is required to diagnose avian influenza A(H5N1). It is usually diagnosed by taking a swab from the nose or throat during the first few days of illness. This swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the type of virus causing the infection.

Treating avian influenza A(H5N1)

Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza A(H5N1). It is important that antiviral medications be taken as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of getting sick. They can:

People with severe infection need to be hospitalized.

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