Print DiagnosisTo diagnose bird flu, a healthcare professional takes a sample of fluid from your nose and throat to test for evidence of bird flu infection. They also may take a sample of fluid from your eye if you have pink eye. If you could have been exposed to bird flu through work, travel or your hobbies and you have symptoms of illness, see your healthcare professional right away.More InformationX-ray TreatmentMedicines that stop the flu virus from spreading in the body, called antivirals, work to treat bird flu. These medicines work best when started as soon as you have symptoms. For this reason, your healthcare professional may prescribe a medicine for you before your flu lab test results comes back. These medicines can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza) or peramivir (Rapivab). Oseltamivir is taken by mouth. Zanamivir is inhaled using a device similar to an asthma inhaler. Peramivir is given through a needle in a vein. If you have bird flu, stay in an area away from other people, including those you live with if possible. That will help prevent spreading the illness. It's important to avoid people if you're waiting for lab results. If you do have bird flu, healthcare professionals may suggest testing for people who had close contact with you when you had symptoms. They may give antiviral medicine to people who were exposed to bird flu and are at high risk of serious illness. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes June 08, 2024 Print Show references Goldman L, et al., eds. Influenza. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2024. Bird flu virus infections in humans. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm. Accessed April 30, 2024. Reported human infections with avian influenza a virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/reported-human-infections.htm. Accessed April 30, 2024. Highly pathogenic avian influenza a(H5N1) virus in animals: Interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/hpai/hpai-interim-recommendations.html#recommendations-public. Accessed April 30, 2024. Ferri FF. Avian influenza. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2024. Avian influenza in birds. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 1, 2024. Types of influenza viruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm. Accessed April 30, 2024. Frequently asked questions about avian influenza. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-faq.htm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 1, 2024. Prevention and antiviral treatment of bird flu viruses in people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm. Accessed May 1, 2024. Tosh, PK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 2, 2024. Influenza antiviral medications: Summary for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed May 2, 2024. Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-internal-temperatures. Accessed May 2, 2024. Pandemic influenza. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/index.htm. Accessed May 2, 2024. Milk, 131.110. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-131. Accessed May 8, 2024. 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