Flu (Influenza) »

Bird Flu vs. Human Flu

In common terms, bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys very sick and in some cases can also result in death. Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997 which is an alarming sign and should be taken seriously by all means.

Human flu commonly called "the flu," is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical influenza illness could result in fever ranging between 100ºF to 103ºF in adults and often even higher in children and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue. Although nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can sometimes accompany influenza infection, especially in children, these symptoms are rarely the primary symptoms of the disease.

Difference between bird flu and human flu

•  Bird flu may have a longer incubation period as compared to human flu (common flu) and is more likely to cause diarrhea as compared to human flu viruses.

•  Influenza A group infects birds whereas the human influenza viruses are part of B and C group. Human flu virus is a part of A group viruses as well, but the strain is different.

•  Bird flu virus infections can be potentially life threatening to humans as compared to the human flu.

•  The occurrence of human flu can be prevented by taking vaccines and shots whereas there's no proven cure available for treating bird flu.