The bird flu outbreak is making a resurgence, and while experts agree there is not an immediate threat to humans, efforts are underway to produce vaccines for H5N1 or another potential pandemic virus.
The bird flu symptoms in humans can differ from those found in birds, though. They can also differ depending on the severity of the illness and the type of strain the person has come down with.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mild symptoms in humans include conjunctivitis and mild, flu-like upper respiratory symptoms.
The CDC notes that more severe strains, which include H5N1 and H7N9, include the following symptoms:
- Pneumonia requiring hospitalization
- Fever over 100ºF
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Vomiting
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