Avian influenza symptoms in people

Possible features include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Some people develop red, irritated eyes. Symptoms alone cannot identify the virus, so the clinician needs to know about contact with birds, other animals or a contaminated environment.

Avian influenza can present with respiratory illness ranging from relatively mild symptoms to severe lung infection. Pneumonia may present with shortness of breath, chest discomfort, worsening cough or pronounced weakness. Eye redness is especially relevant when it follows a splash or contaminated hand contact near the eyes.

These complaints overlap with seasonal influenza and other infections. A cough or fever by itself does not establish avian influenza; the combination of illness and a credible exposure guides testing and precautions.

Call a healthcare provider or the public-health contact named in local guidance. Explain the type of animal, whether it was sick or dead, what contact occurred, the protective equipment used and when symptoms began. Calling ahead helps the service choose a suitable assessment location and protect other patients.

Until advised otherwise, limit close contact with others, cover coughs, clean hands often and avoid sharing personal items. Do not take leftover antiviral medicine or antibiotics; a clinician should decide whether testing and prescription treatment are appropriate.

Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, inability to stay awake, severe dehydration, or symptoms that worsen quickly. Tell emergency staff about the possible animal exposure immediately.

Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term health conditions may need earlier clinical review when they become unwell. The reason for escalation is the person’s symptoms and vulnerability, not an assumption that every exposure caused infection.

Ask what testing is suitable, whether medicine should start before results, how long to follow infection-control precautions and what change would require reassessment. Bring a medication list and mention pregnancy, immune suppression, lung disease or kidney problems because these can affect treatment planning.