(bird flu) Birds, just like people, can get the flu. Another name for bird flu is avian influenza. The viruses that cause bird flu normally only infect birds, including chickens, other poultry, and wild birds such as ducks. But sometimes the viruses can infect other animals and, in rare cases, people. A few types of these viruses have caused most of the infections in people. They are the H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6 viruses. These infections in people have mainly been in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and the Near East. Although it's very rare, there have also been some infections in people in the United States. The most common ways you can get bird flu are from: Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling infected live or dead birds; Touching surfaces or handling items contaminated by bird flu viruses and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; Breathing in droplets or dust contaminated with the virus. It's also possible (but very rare) to get bird flu from: Another type of animal who has bird flu. Bird flu can also infect many other animals, including some dogs, cats, certain wild and zoo animals, and livestock such as cattle. These animals can then spread the flu to people.; Another person.; Eating poultry, eggs, and beef that were not properly handled and cooked.; Drinking raw milk. Certain people may be more likely to get bird flu, including: Poultry workers; Animal handlers; Wildlife biologists; Disease control workers; Research laboratory workers; Veterinarians; People who travel to countries where bird flu is present. Sometimes bird flu doesn't cause any symptoms. But if you do feel sick, your symptoms can range from mild to severe. Often, the symptoms are similar to the (seasonal) flu, such as: Fever (but not everyone has a fever); Cough; Sore throat; Runny or stuffy nose; Muscle or body aches; Fatigue; Headaches; Eye redness (conjunctivitis); Trouble breathing; Diarrhea. People with severe illness from bird flu may have pneumonia and might need to be hospitalized. Laboratory testing is used to diagnose bird flu. It's usually done with a nasal or throat swab. This testing is more accurate when the swab is collected during the first few days of illness. For people who are severely ill, health care providers may do testing of a different sample, such as fluid taken during a bronchoalveolar lavage or other procedure. Bird flu is treated with antiviral medicines. It's important to get them as soon as possible. The medicines may make your illness less severe. You may also be given antiviral medicines if you were exposed to a person or animal who has the virus. This may help prevent you from getting sick. There is currently no vaccine available to the public. The government has developed a virus that is similar to some H5N1 viruses. The virus could be used to produce a vaccine for people, if needed. It's important to take precautions to prevent bird flu: If you have a job or pastime that puts you in contact with birds or other animals, make sure to use proper protective equipment.; Otherwise try to avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals.; Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds or other animals.; Since it's possible to get bird flu through some foods, make sure to handle and cook your food safely and avoid raw milk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(avian influenza) A rare, infectious disease characterized by variable severity and outcome, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection with fever and cough, to influenza-like illness with rapid progression to severe pneumonia, sepsis with shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and even death. Additional manifestations may include conjunctivitis, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, multiple organ dysfunction, and encephalopathy.

(avian influenza) Infection caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally in birds; wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them; some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become infected, often fatally; one strain of avian influenza, the H5N1 virus, may infect various types of animals, including wild birds, pigs, and tigers; symptoms in birds and other animals vary, but virulent strains can cause death within a few days; human H5N1 infection was first recognized in 1997 in Hong Kong.

Infection of domestic and wild fowl and other BIRDS with INFLUENZA A VIRUS. Avian influenza usually does not sicken birds, but can be highly pathogenic and fatal in domestic POULTRY.

Avian influenza is caused by strains of influenza A that normally infect only wild birds and domestic poultry. Infections due to some of these strains have been detected in humans. Human-to-human transmission is limited, most cases are acquired from animals, typically poultry.

Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. More than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that have most recently infected humans - H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike humans, it can be deadly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines avian influenza as a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that infect birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza A viruses are highly species-specific but have infected other mammals and, on rare occasions, have crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Highly pathogenic...

Bird flu, a viral respiratory disease mainly of poultry and certain other bird species, including migratory waterbirds, some imported pet birds, and ostriches, that can be transmitted directly to humans. The first known cases in humans were reported in 1997, when an outbreak of avian influenza A...