Currently, the virus does not transmit from human to human but we strongly fear this eventuality. The mutation or the rearrangement of virus H5N1 with the one of influenza will make it more contagious.

The transmission from animal to human is made by direct contact, extended and frequent. The symptoms are not known with this precision because there have been very few cases. However, we can note fever, cough, pulmonary affection and classical flu-like symptoms.

Antiviral drugs exist in prophylaxia and in treatment of avian flu of man : Tamiflu (molecule : Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir) directed against one of the viral proteins. However, to be effective, they must be taken very rapidly, within the 48H after the apparition of the symptoms.

Researches orientate toward immunotherapy or treatments targeting other proteins of the virus (polymerasis).