Bird flu symptoms can be similar to regular flu symptoms. Here's all you need to know about bird flu symptoms.
Bird flu symptoms in humans
Bird flu symptoms in humans look a lot like your normal flu symptoms. People who are showing bird flu symptoms may have a fever, sore throat and muscle aches. If you've ever had the flu and chances are you have, you'll understand that these symptoms are similar to good old fashioned flu symptoms.
So, how do you know that you're experiencing bird flu and not regular flu? Bird flu symptoms can also include icky eye discharge and respiratory problems that are not generally associated with regular human flu. Bird flu symptoms vary from patient to patient. They also differ depending on the type of bird flu strand that is causing the infection.
What should I do if I think I'm experiencing bird flu symptoms?
The first thing you should do if you think you're experiencing bird flu symptoms is call a doctor. This may seem like a no brainer, but a lot of people neglect going to the doctor before it's too late.
You should also think about whether you've been in a situation that might have exposed you to the virus. Bird flu is spread from birds to birds and then birds to humans. You might have bird flu symptoms if you've recently been in contact with an infected bird. So, have you been around poultry? Have you been in areas that might have been inhabited by wild birds, specifically migratory birds? Ask yourself these questions so you can help your doctor pinpoint the source of your symptoms.
Bird flu symptoms are one way to tell if you have bird flu, but a doctor will probably need to take a laboratory test to confirm your suspicions.
How can I prevent these symptoms from occurring?
The best way to prevent bird flu symptoms from occurring is by taking great precautions to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you might get exposed to bird flu. Be particularly leery if you keep poultry as a food source or as domesticated pets.
Do not let domesticated poultry live in the house with you and clean areas that might have been exposed to their excretions with disinfectant. Also, if you must handle poultry, wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from their excretions, which is where the virus that cause the bird flu symptoms is found.
