16 Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
Hearing about bird flu can be alarming, especially if you live near poultry farms or frequently work with birds. While mild illnesses are common, a simple cough or fever may indicate something more serious.
Avian influenza, frequently known as bird flu, is a dangerous viral infection that primarily affects birds and can spread to humans. The virus spreads through direct exposure to infected poultry, their waste, and contaminated surfaces.
Although human cases are rare, bird flu infections can advance rapidly, leading to severe respiratory distress and life-threatening complications. If you believe you have been exposed, minimize interaction with others and promptly consult a medical professional.
Early Symptoms of Bird Flu
While human-to-human transmission is rare, exposure to infected surroundings or consuming undercooked poultry increases the risk of infection. These symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure to the virus, starting suddenly and worsening quickly.
Fever
Fever is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of bird flu. Your temperature may rise above 100.4°F (38°C), sometimes reaching 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
High fever is often accompanied by chills and sweating as the body tries to regulate its temperature. Fever fluctuations can also occur throughout the day, with peaks typically in the evening.
Seek medical help if your fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) for over 24 hours, does not respond to medication, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent chest pain.
Cough
A dry, persistent cough is common in the early stages of bird flu. It may start as a mild irritation in your throat, but can become more intense over time.
Initially, the cough may be dry, with little to no mucus. Some people experience chest tightness or discomfort while coughing.
Your cough may worsen with physical activity or when lying down, making it difficult to rest or sleep. As the infection progresses, mucus production may increase, becoming thicker or yellowish, and affecting your breathing, indicating further illness progression.
Sore Throat
Your throat may feel scratchy, painful, or raw, making swallowing difficult and uncomfortable. The soreness can range from mild irritation to a more intense burning sensation, especially when talking, eating, or drinking.
The pain might radiate from your throat, sometimes extending to your ears due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues. You might also experience a hoarse voice or a dry, irritated feeling in your throat.
Seeing redness, swelling, or white patches on your tonsils might mean irritation or an infection. Other symptoms, such as a dry cough or mucus dripping to the back of the throat, may worsen discomfort.
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Nasal congestion usually starts early in an infection, causing your nose to alternate between being runny and stuffy in one or both nostrils.
The discharge from your nose may be clear initially, but thickens and becomes yellow or green as the infection progresses. Congestion can lead to a sensation of fullness or pressure in your sinuses, particularly around your forehead, eyes, or cheeks.
If you find it hard to breathe through your nose, you may start using your mouth to breathe, which can cause throat dryness or irritation. Nasal symptoms can also disrupt sleep, making it harder to rest comfortably.
Headache
A headache is a frequent early bird flu symptom which may develop alongside fever and fatigue. You may feel a constant dull ache or a sharp, throbbing pain, which can occur all over your head or in specific areas.
The pain may worsen with movement, bright lights, or loud noises. Dehydration, fever, or sinus congestion from the infection can further contribute to the discomfort, making it feel more intense.
Fatigue and General Weakness
Fatigue and general weakness often develop early in a bird flu infection and may worsen as the illness progresses. You may feel more tired than usual, and simple tasks like cooking or talking seem overwhelming as your energy level drops.
Simple movements may quickly drain your energy, such as walking short distances or standing for long periods. Despite feeling persistently tired, you may struggle with poor sleep quality.
In some cases, fatigue may persist even after other symptoms start improving, leaving you feeling drained and affecting your ability to return to your usual activities.
Muscle Aches and Joint Pain
You may experience a widespread aching sensation that affects multiple muscle groups, particularly in your back, shoulders, arms, and legs.
The discomfort can range from a dull, persistent soreness to more intense pain that worsens with movement or prolonged activity.
Joint stiffness and pain are often most noticeable in the morning or after sitting for a long time, such as during a long car ride, working at a desk, or watching TV.
During an infection, inflammation can cause severe muscle tightness and tenderness, leading to pain when moving or touching affected areas.
Unusual Symptoms
Bird flu can cause some less common symptoms that might surprise you. While these symptoms don’t occur in every case, recognizing them early can help you seek timely medical attention.
Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a frequently reported bird flu symptom. It typically presents with eye redness and inflammation, making your eyes appear swollen or bloodshot.
In some cases, conjunctivitis appears before other flu symptoms, signaling early stages of an illness. You may feel burning or itching in one or both eyes, and a gritty sensation as if something is stuck in them.
This irritation may lead to excessive tearing and increased sensitivity to light, making it uncomfortable to be in bright environments. Eye discharge can vary from watery to thick mucus, leading to crusting around the eyelids, particularly after sleep.
As the condition worsens, swelling around the eyes may occur, causing mild discomfort, puffiness in the eyelids, and sometimes a feeling of heaviness or soreness.
Nosebleeds or Gum Bleeding
In rare cases, bird flu can cause unexpected bleeding from the nose or gums. This may occur without any obvious injury or clear reason, as the virus can interfere with normal blood clotting.
You might first notice small amounts of blood when brushing your teeth, minor gum bleeding after eating, or occasional nosebleeds. It is important to monitor any unusual bleeding, even if it initially seems minor.
If you experience persistent or worsening nosebleeds, significant gum bleeding, or unexplained bruising, seek medical care immediately, as these signs could indicate a more severe underlying health issue.
Severe Symptoms of Bird Flu
The symptoms may rapidly worsen, become life-threatening, and affect multiple organ systems. Bird flu can cause serious health complications that require immediate medical care.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a potentially serious bird flu symptom that can indicate pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
It may start with mild breathing discomfort and progressively worsen, or it can appear suddenly and become severe within hours. You may find it increasingly difficult to take deep breaths or feel you aren’t getting enough air.
As breathing becomes more difficult, you might experience chest tightness or pressure. You may start using additional muscles in your shoulders or abdomen to breathe, making each breath feel more difficult.
If you notice bluish lips or fingertips (cyanosis), rapid breathing, dizziness, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately. These signs indicate dangerously low oxygen levels in the body.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be severe symptoms of bird flu, especially as the infection spreads beyond the respiratory system. You might experience sudden waves of nausea that come and go, affecting your appetite and making it difficult to eat or drink normally.
Vomiting can range from occasional episodes to frequent, severe events that make it hard to keep food or fluids down. Persistent vomiting increases the risk of dehydration due to fluid and electrolyte loss, which can cause life-threatening complications.
Diarrhea
Severe diarrhea can be a bird flu symptom, leading to rapid fluid loss. You might experience frequent, watery stools with stomach pain multiple times per day.
As fluid loss increases, dehydration can develop quickly if fluids are not replenished. Initial signs of dehydration include a dry mouth and intense thirst, making you feel the need to drink water even after you have had some.
You might notice decreased urination as dehydration worsens, with urine becoming darker. If diarrhea persists, contains blood, or leads to severe dehydration, seek medical help immediately to prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalances and organ damage.
Dizziness
Dizziness can result from dehydration, low oxygen levels, or circulation problems, making it a potentially dangerous bird flu symptom. You may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as if the room is spinning.
Sometimes, dizziness may worsen when you stand up quickly, causing a brief sensation of imbalance or faintness, increasing safety risks. Pay attention if headaches or vision changes accompany dizziness; these combinations may signal serious complications.
Confusion
Simple routine tasks may become challenging, such as following a conversation or remembering recent events. You might feel disoriented, struggle concentrating, or have trouble processing information.
Memory problems and difficulty speaking can also occur. You may search for the right words, speak more slowly, stutter, or have trouble forming sensible sentences. Family or caregivers may observe changes in your behavior, such as increased irritability, slower responses, or agitation.
Seizures
In rare and severe cases, bird flu can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to seizures. These episodes may appear as sudden, uncontrolled shaking, muscle twitches, or jerking movements that are impossible to control.
Before a seizure, you may notice warning signs such as unusual sensations, dizziness, visual disturbances, or sudden disorientation. Some people experience an “aura” that can include tingling, unusual smells or tastes, or unexpected feelings of fear.
In some instances, those around you may observe brief periods of unconsciousness or confusion after the episode. Seizures can indicate serious complications, such as brain inflammation or a lack of oxygen in the brain, which require immediate medical attention.
Multi-Organ Failure
Severe bird flu can lead to multi-organ failure, causing vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart to malfunction due to continuous inflammation and damage.
Warning signs of multi-organ failure include decreased urination, indicating kidney issues, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), which shows liver problems.
You may feel chest discomfort, a fast heartbeat, or severe fatigue, indicating stress on the heart and circulatory system. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, lethargy, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
This serious condition needs urgent medical care, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU), where patients are closely monitored and may receive oxygen, ventilator support, and other treatments to avoid life-threatening outcomes.
