News & Events

Flu Season 2005 and **Avian Influenza A (Bird Flu)**: What You Need to Know

What is the flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness that is spread from person to person and is caused by the influenza viruses. Symptoms of the flu begin suddenly with high fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pain, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

How is the flu spread?
Flu viruses are spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting the flu shot.

What is proper cough and sneeze etiquette?
Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and, when possible, use a tissue to catch respiratory secretions. Throw away the tissue in the nearest waste receptacle after use. If you don’t have a tissue, use the corner of your elbow or hand. Finally, be sure to wash your hands with either an antibacterial soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Where can I get more information on influenza that affects people?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

What is the avian flu?

Avian flu or “bird flu” is a viral illness that normally infects only birds and pigs. One type of bird flu is also called avian influenza A (H5N1). Although it rarely infects humans, several cases of human infection have been identified since 1997, mainly in Asia. Most human cases in these countries have occurred in rural areas where people keep small flocks of poultry. These flocks may roam freely through homes and outdoor areas. In addition, these people often rely on their poultry for food and a source of income, so they maybe more inclined to slaughter or sell sick poultry, therefore, increasing the risk for human exposure to the virus.

How do people become infected with avian influenza?
The main way people are infected with avian influenza or “bird flu” is by coming in direct contact with infected poultry such as during the butchering process or through contact with surfaces and objects contaminated by their excrement. Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked meat. Poultry in the United States has not been affected, therefore, poultry is safe to eat, although it is always best to follow good hygienic practices while handling raw poultry, as well as follow proper cooking instructions. The avian flu virus has not yet gained the ability to spread from one human to another.

Is there a vaccine against avian flu?
Currently, there is no vaccine available against avian influenza although researchers are working hard to develop one. It is believed that an antiviral medication currently available against human flu viruses would work in preventing bird flu infection in humans.

Where can I get more information about avian flu?
World Health Organization: Avian Influenza:

Frequently Asked Questions at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/index.html

Center for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

What can I do to stay healthy?
Stay healthy by always maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. Try to avoid crowded places during flu season. Washing your hands frequently with either antibacterial soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub can also to help cut down on getting sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick, avoid contact with others.