Pandemic and Flu Planning
     
   
 
   

Frequently Ask Questions

  
     

  1. What is avian influenza (bird flu)?

  2. Which countries have been affected?

  3. How is the virus transmitted?

  4. Has the virus been transmitted human to human?

  5. What changes must happen for the (H5N1) virus to affect humans and become a pandemic?

  6. What are the risks for human health?

  7. Has anyone died from the avian influenza (H5N1)?

  8. What are signs and symptoms of avian influenza?

  9. Are vaccines and antiviral medications available for prevention and treatment?

  10. Will the virus respond to antibiotics?

  11. What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk for infection?

  12. Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry?

  13. How do animals get avian influenza?

  14. What about household pets?

  15. Is it safe to raise a small flock of chickens?

  16. Can I travel safely to areas affected by avian influenza?

 

  1. What is avian influenza (also known as bird flu and H5N1)?
     Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally in birds. The avian flu currently causing concern is the H5N1 subtype.

  1. Which countries have been affected?
     Outbreaks in wild and domestic birds have been reported in 14 countries: Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Loa Peoples Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Romania.

  1. How is the virus transmitted?
     The bird to human transmission occurs from direct contact with infected poultry or surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces.  Exposure to the virus is most likely during slaughter, de-feathering, butchering, and preparing poultry for cooking.

  1. Has the virus been transmitted human to human?
     Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry.  So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person.
     

  2. What changes must happen for the (H5N1) virus to affect humans and  become a pandemic?
     A pandemic can start when three conditions have been met: a new virus subtype emerges; it infects humans; and it spreads easily and is sustained among humans.  The first two conditions have currently been met.  Genetic studies confirm that H5N1 influenza virus is continuing to mutate or change.  A pandemic will occur when this mutated strain emerges resulting in serious illness to humans and will be easily spread from person to person.
     

  3. What are the risks for human health?
     There are two main risks for human health.  The first is the direct infection from poultry to humans.  The second threat is the emergence of a mutant strain that spreads easily from person to person.
     

  4. Has anyone died from the avian influenza (H5N1)?
     As of November 7, 2005 there have been 124 confirmed cases and 63 deaths from of bird-to-human transmission in 4 countries, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 
     

  5. What are signs and symptoms of avian influenza?
     Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms such as:

    v      fever

    v      chills

    v      cough

    v      headache

    v      sore throat

    v      pain behind the eyes

    v      muscle aches to eye infections

    v      pneumonia

    v      severe respiratory diseases 

    v      other severe and life-threatening complications

    The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which virus causes the infection.
     

  6. Are vaccines and antiviral medications available for prevention and treatment?
     There have been some clinical trials for a vaccine but because the antigen needs to closely match the pandemic virus, large scale production will not start until the virus has emerged.  Current vaccine production capacity cannot meet demand.  There are some oral antivirals that are available and are currently effective for reducing the severity and duration of influenza, however, are showing resistance to the H5N1 virus.
     

  7. Will the virus respond to antibiotics?
     No.  However, there are a number of things that you can do to speed your recovery:

    v      rest

    v      drink lots of fluids

    v      take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen which are available over the counter.

    v      keep throat lozenge, cough drop or hard candy in your mouth for relief of a sore throat

    v      run a humidifier or vaporizer

    v      limit or discontinue smoking

    v      practice good hygiene

    v      oral decongestants as needed
     

  8. What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk for infection?
     Observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance.

    v      Use good cough etiquette.

    v      Frequent and thorough washing of hands.  If soap and water is not available use a hand sanitizer with high alcohol content.

    v      Do not handle or eat sick game.

    v      Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling wildlife.

    v      Cook all game thoroughly.

    v      Consider annual flu injection.

    If you or family member exhibits symptoms of the flu, stay home.
     

  9. Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry?
     Currently, there is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs are a source of infection.  Cooking destroys germs, including the bird flu virus.  The United States bans imports of poultry and poultry products from countries where bird flu has been found.

    For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the World Health Organization web site at www.who.int/en  or www.usda.gov/birdflu.
     

  10. How do animals get avian influenza?
     It is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds, and through indirect contact with contaminated equipment and materials.  The virus is excreted through feces of infected birds and through secretions from the nose, mouth and eyes.
     

  11. What about household pets?
     Household cats can be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses by eating raw infected meat.  It’s possible that other mammals may be susceptible to avian influenza infection as well.
     

  12. Is it safe to raise a small flock of chickens?
     Yes, in the US there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza.  The US department of Agriculture monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents.
     

  13. Can I travel safely to areas affected by avian influenza?
     The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend any travel restrictions to affected countries at this time.  However, CDC currently advises that travelers to countries with known outbreaks of H5N1 influenza avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. 

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