Bird Flu
(Avian Flu, Avian Influenza)

Swine Flu FAQ Slideshow

• What is bird flu? How is bird flu diagnosed and treated in humans?
• What is the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, and how it is transmitted? Is there a vaccine that can prevent infection?
• What changes are needed for H5N1 or another avian influenza virus to cause a pandemic?
• What animals can be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?

How is avian influenza detected in humans?

Avian influenza cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone, so a laboratory test is required. Avian influenza is usually diagnosed by collecting a swab from the nose or throat during the first few days of illness. This swab is then sent to a laboratory, where they will either look for avian influenza virus using a molecular test, or they will try to grow the virus. Growing avian influenza viruses should only be done in laboratories with high levels of protection. If it is late in the illness, it may be difficult to find an avian influenza virus directly using these methods. If this is the case, it may still be possible to diagnose avian influenza by looking for evidence of the body's response to the virus. This is not always an option because it requires two blood specimens (one taken during the first few days of illness and another taken some weeks later), and it can take several weeks to verify the results.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• oseltamivir, Tamiflu - Learn about Tamiflu (oseltavivir) includes Tamiflu dosage and side effects and information on how Tamiflu medication is used to prevent and treat the flu virus including the bird flu (avian flu).
• Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
• Swine Flu - Read about swine flu (swine influenza A H1N1 virus infection) symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, chills, fever, and diarrhea.

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