What is avian flu?
Avian flu (H5N1) is a type of influenza A that mainly infects birds but occasionally affects humans. Avian flu can be transmitted from live birds to people, although transmission between humans is very inefficient. The initial symptoms of avian flu are similar to those of other influenza viruses, including fever, generalised muscle pain, cough and sore throat. However, it is more likely to result in high fever, chest infection, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and death.
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