Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Bird fluUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewAvian influenza (bird flu) is most often contracted by contact with sick birds. It can also be passed from person to person. SymptomsSymptoms begin within two to eight days, and can seem like the common flu. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and shortness of breath may occur. TreatmentsMore than half of humans infected with bird flu die. Some antiviral drugs, if taken within two days of symptoms, may help. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use