Avian Flu
It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. The effects of a pandemic can be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time.
When a pandemic starts, everyone around the world could be at risk. The United States has been working closely with other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen systems to detect outbreaks of influenza that might cause a pandemic.
How Avian Flu Spreads from Birds to People
It is important not to confuse human cases of avian influenza with cases of human influenza. Human influenza ("the flu") is a common respiratory disease that spreads easily and rapidly from person to person. Although different strains of avian flu virus circulate year-round among birds, the virus does not usually spread to people.
In rare instances, however, people do contract avian flu. The exact mode of transmission from birds to people is not known, but most human cases of avian flu have been traced to direct contact with live infected birds or their droppings. The scientific evidence to date shows that avian flu virus does not spread easily or rapidly from one person to another.
The Human Health Effects of Avian Flu
Although human cases of avian flu are rare, people who become infected with the H5N1 virus can become seriously ill and may die. The symptoms can resemble those of human influenza, including fever, cough, aching muscles and a sore throat. The human health effects of avian flu can also include eye infections and serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
At this time, there is no vaccine to provide people with specific protection against avian flu. Studies suggest that certain anti-viral drugs designed to fight human influenza may also help prevent serious illness in people who become infected with the avian flu virus.
Minimizing Your Risks
Keep things in perspective. The risk of health effects from human influenza is far greater. The best way to protect yourself and others from influenza is to:
· Get a flu shot.
· Wash your hands regularly and with thorough use of soap and warm water.
· Stay home if you are sick.
There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the avian flu to humans. All the evidence to date indicates that thorough cooking will kill the virus.
While unlikely, transmission of the virus to humans from consumption of uncooked or undercooked eggs or poultry cannot be completely ruled out. To limit potential risks, poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked to kill any possible viruses or bacteria. Proper safe food handling practices such as handwashing and keeping poultry and egg products separate from other food products to avoid cross contamination should be followed.
Additional Information:
The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza.News Release: UNITED STATES PREPARES FOR HIGHLY PATHOGENIC H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WILD BIRDS
Fact Sheet: Screening For Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza In Migratory Birds
Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service
