AI viruses can cause mild to severe illness and are concerning because of their pandemic potential.  Symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, eye irritation or redness, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and rash.

Although AI viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection with these viruses.  People who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or animals, including cows, are at greater risk of contracting AI viruses.  People with close or prolonged contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.

As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with AI viruses and observe them only from a distance, if possible.

If you must handle infected or potentially infected birds or other animals, take extra precautions.  AI virus infections in people happen most often after close, prolonged and unprotected (no gloves or other protective wear) contact with infected birds or other animals and their environments.

If you get sick after being exposed to sick or potentially infected birds, a healthcare provider may write you a prescription for an antiviral drug that is used for treatment of seasonal flu.  These drugs can also treat avian influenza virus infection.  It is important to start antiviral treatment as soon as possible and to follow the directions for taking all of the medication that is prescribed.  Treatment should not be delayed while awaiting test results.

Treatment is not currently recommended for ill people whose only potential exposure is travel to an area (e.g. country, state/province, city, or county) with human cases of novel influenza A virus infection associated with severe human disease, or where these viruses are known to be circulating in animals.

Human infections with avian influenza viruses are rare, and those with job-related or recreational exposures to infected bird or other animals are at higher risk of infection.

If you develop any of the signs or symptoms after an exposure, immediately call the health department of the state you are in at the time.  Your health department wants to hear from you, even if it turns out to be a 'false alarm'.  Your health department will give you further instructions and might ask you to get tested for avian influenza virus infection.

Until symptoms have resolved, or you have received further guidance from public health, stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible until the results of your test are known.  Your health department might have additional instructions for you as well.