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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
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.
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