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What
is Avian Flu (Bird Flu)?
Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is an infectious disease
caused by a virus that lives naturally in wild birds. Wild
birds usually do not become sick. However, they carry the
virus and can pass it on through their secretions to other
domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks). In turn, those
birds can become very sick and die.
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How
is the virus spread to humans?
Currently, there is no evidence that bird flu is spread person-to-person.
However, the virus continues to change. Humans can become
infected through contact with infected birds or their contaminated
droppings. The virus also can spread to humans from:
- direct contact with infected poultry or birds
- contact with contaminated food preparation surfaces
- contact with items (bird cages, water, food, equipment)
- contact with infected bird droppings or secretions
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What
are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Flu-like symptoms may occur after exposure to infected birds.
Those symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches,
and eye infections. A severe case of bird flu can cause serious
respiratory problems, including pneumonia.
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What
should I do if I have flu symptoms?
If you have symptoms of bird flu, get medical care immediately.
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How
is bird flu diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the onset of symptoms within 10 days
of travel to a region with documented bird flu in poultry
or humans.
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How
is bird flu treated?
There are several influenza antiviral drugs that can be used
to treat pneumonia caused by bird flu. However, some of the
virus strains have become resistant to these drugs. Influenza
antiviral medications are being monitored closely.
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Can
you catch bird flu from eating poultry?
No. The virus is transmitted primarily by contact with live
poultry. Nevertheless, it is always important to thoroughly
cook all poultry meat. Also, proper hand washing is important
after handling raw poultry.
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Is
there a vaccine to protect humans from the bird flu virus?
No. However, vaccine development efforts are under way.
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What
is the risk to people in the U.S. from the bird flu outbreak
in Asia?
The current risk in the U.S. is low. The strain of bird flu
virus found in Asia has not been found in the U.S. There have
been no human cases of the flu in the U.S. However, it is
possible that travelers returning from affected countries
in Asia could be infected.
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What
should travelers do when traveling to infected countries?
- Know the signs and symptoms of bird flu.
- Get up-to-date vaccinations.
- Get a physical check-up at least 4 weeks prior to travel.
- Practice good hygiene; wash your hands frequently with
soap and water.
- Avoid poultry farms and live animal markets.
- Do not feed pigeons or other birds.
- Wash your hands immediately after contact with birds or
poultry.
- Do not eat undercooked poultry.
- Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into any sauce
containing raw eggs.
- Listen to the news and stay informed if there is an outbreak.
After you return from your travel:
- Monitor your health for 10 days.
- If you develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor. It
is important to tell your doctor that you have recently
traveled to a country with a known bird flu outbreak.
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Stay informed! Visit these websites
for more information about Avian Flu.
For local information, call
FLU HOTLINE AT
209-558-8872
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization,
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools.
Adapted from Alameda County Health Services Agency Fact Sheet. |
