Bird Flu and Humans: Understanding the Risks and Symptoms

Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses rarely infect humans. Most human cases involve direct/indirect contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments.

Symptom Spectrum

• Mild: Conjunctivitis, upper respiratory illness, flu-like symptoms.
• Severe: Pneumonia, respiratory distress requiring ICU, multi-organ failure, death.

Common Symptoms

• Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, malaise.
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

Human cases are sporadic; no efficient or sustained human-to-human transmission has occurred.