Question
I’ve recently broken out with pimples all over my body, which are very itchy. My face is also very dry, my eyes are dry and itchy, and I’m also having a runny nose. I haven’t received any treatment in the past and I’m hoping to understand if I might have contracted the flu, and I’m very worried.
Answer
The incubation period for avian influenza is usually not more than 7 days. The initial symptoms are similar to those of other flus, mainly manifested as fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, and general malaise. Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loose stools. Some patients may also have conjunctivitis. The body temperature is usually sustained at 39℃ or above. Many patients may show unilateral or bilateral pneumonia on chest X-rays, and a few patients may have pleural effusion. Based on your symptom description, your symptoms seem more like an allergic reaction.