Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu , primarily affects birds, especially domestic poultry, but can also cause zoonotic infections in humans. Avian influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and evolve through genetic reassortment and antigenic drift, allowing them to infect new hosts. Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes based on two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Among these, H5N1 and H7N9 are the most notable subtypes associated with severe human infections. Early symptoms of bird flu include fever, cough, sore throat, and myalgia.
In severe cases, the disease can progress to dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue. H7N9 infections may also cause conjunctivitis, while H5N1 often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms. Advanced stages are marked by rapid respiratory decline. For accurate diagnosis, RT-PCR remains the gold…
