How do humans catch avian flu?
Initially avian flu was believed to infect birds only, but then the first human victims surfaced in Hong Kong in 1997. Normally, we humans fall prey to the disease when we come in close contact with live infected birds. The virus of avian bird flu is excreted by infected birds, which is inhaled by humans when it pulverizes. Avian bird flu is tough to diagnose on account of the fact that its symptoms are similar to other types of flu – fever, malaise, sore throats and coughs. Development of Conjunctivitis was also seen in several victims. What has gotten researchers concerned is the discovery of a case in Vietnam in which effect of the virus was found in all parts of the body rather than just the lungs.
