How is the diagnosis “avian influenza” made?
A doctor can suspect a possible “bird flu” on the basis of the patient’s complaints (fever, coughing, breathing difficulties), information on journeys to and stays in a region with avian influenza, possibly contact with birds or poultry (see case definition of the Robert Koch Institute) and the results of a physical examination. The suspicion can be corroborated by influenza quick tests, which are used to detect components of the virus in the patient’s saliva. The flu infection is proven by special tests (so-called polymerase chain reaction or PCR with prior reaction) carried out in specially equipped laboratories.
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