Symptoms:

Symptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the strain of virus. Infection with the H5N1 virus in humans causes more classic flu-like symptoms, which might include:

• Cough (dry or productive)
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Headache
• Malaise
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Signs and tests:

If you think you have been exposed to avian influenza, call your health care provider before your visit. This will give the staff a chance to take proper precautions that will protect them and other patients during your office visit.

In February 2006, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved a new, faster test for diagnosing strains of bird flu in people suspected of having the virus. The test is called the Influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) Virus Real-time RT-PCR Primer and Probe Set. The test gives preliminary results within 4 hours. Older tests required 2 to 3 days.

Your doctor might also perform the following tests:

• Auscultation (to detect abnormal breath sounds)
• Chest x-ray
• Nasopharyngeal culture
• White blood cell differential

Other tests may be done to look at the functions of your heart, kidneys, and liver.