Avian/Pandemic Influenza - The Basics
Miami-Dade County Pandemic Influenza Plan
U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information
10 Things You Need to Know About Pandemic Influenza
Avian Influenza - Fact Sheet (WHO)
Don't Fear Fear, or Panic Panic: An economist's view
of Pandemic Flu - By: Dr. Sherry Cooper
Case definitions for human infections with influenza A (H5N1) virus (WHO)
Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds. While all types of birds are thought to be at risk for infection, chickens, ducks, geese and other wild water birds are especially at risk. Avian flu is very contagious among birds and can be deadly to birds and humans. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. Currently there is no flu pandemic (U.S. Pandemic Flu Website).
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike other respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Avian Flu and Humans: Can Avian Flu infect humans?
Avian flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with avian flu viruses have occurred since 1997.
Avian flu is transmitted to humans in Southeast Asian countries from bird droppings or by eating inadequately cooked poultry. There is no conclusive evidence at this time that avian flu is transmitted from person-to-person.
How do humans get Avian Flu?
Humans can get avian flu from contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. Infected birds shed the virus in saliva and droppings. A person can catch the avian flu virus when an infected chicken coughs or sneezes onto his/her face, or by breathing in bird dropping particles.
The World Health Organization is still investigating whether avian flu spreads from human-to-human.
The virus is not passed through eating cooked meat or eggs, so there is no danger in eating well-cooked chicken or duck.
What are the symptoms of Avian Flu in humans?
- The time period between exposure to symptoms may be up to 10 days.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Eye infections
- Severe cases of avian flu can cause serious breathing problems including pneumonia and can cause death
Health care providers will tell patients how to treat, depending on their symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment may include hospitalization, supportive care and/or the use of anti-virals. There is an antiviral drug that can be used for the prevention and treatment of Avian Flu.
Is there a vaccine that can protect me from Avian Flu?
No, a vaccine that protects from avian flu is not available at this time.
Providers may choose to give regular flu vaccine to high-risk groups such as poultry workers, to reduce the risk that they may become infected with both the human and avian viruses at the same time.
Why is there a concern about getting both viruses at the same time?
The mixing of human and avian viruses could produce a new kind of flu to which humans have no protection. It is also possible that the new type of flu would be easily passed from person-to-person, which could cause widespread outbreak (pandemic) and even death.
Protect Yourself
Even through there is no conclusive evidence that avian flu is transmitted person-to-person, health officials recommend people take the same precautions to protect themselves against avian flu as they would colds and other flu.
Wash your hands frequently and stay away from people who are coughing, have a fever greater than 100°, have other flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled to an Asian country.
Avian Flu and Birds:
How do chickens or other birds get Avian Flu?- From direct contact with the saliva or droppings of infected birds.
- From contaminated feed, water, cages, equipment or clothing-especially shoes of poultry workers.
An infected bird may show one or more of these symptoms:
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattle and legs
- Purple staining of the wattle and comb
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing and sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Sudden death
Protect Yourself and Your Bird:
How can I protect my bird and myself from Avian Flu?Avian flu can be spread by wild migratory birds. Owners are advised to take precautionary measures:
- Avoid contact with wild birds, particularly water birds.
- Keep birds in cages, hen houses, or a netted areas to keep wild birds away
- Do not introduce birds of unknown origin to existing pet birds
- Control human traffic in bird cages and chicken pens
- Practice excellent hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting procedures
