|
A pandemic of influenza, or flu, occurs when a new type of flu virus that is easily transmitted from person to person that our bodies aren’t protected against spreads rapidly around the world. Because our bodies haven’t come across this flu virus before, those people who get this new flu virus are likely to become much sicker from it than the normal seasonal flu, and can possibly die. How is pandemic flu different from the seasonal flu we see every year? In cases of seasonal or annual flu, unlike pandemic flu, our bodies have some protection against the types of flu that go around each year. This is because our bodies have been exposed to these common flu strains before and have had time to develop some protection against them. This protection is also improved by the flu shots we get every year to keep us from getting sick. But that doesn’t mean that the annual flu is not a serious health threat. Each year, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. have to go to the hospital because of the flu, and 36,000 people die from it. However, a pandemic flu outbreak could send millions to the hospital and kill hundreds of thousands, as our bodies have not had the time to develop protection against it. Because it takes over 6 months to make a new flu shot, there would be no flu shot right away to protect us from this new type of flu virus. The annual flu is also more likely during cold weather; people typically get it October to May. However, pandemic flu can happen at any time of year and often comes in two to three waves over a couple of years. Avian flu is a type of flu that birds get, which is why it’s also called “bird flu.” While some birds are only carriers, this flu can cause wild birds, chickens and other domestic birds to become sick, with some of them dying as a result. H5N1 is the scientific term for the bird flu virus that is currently infecting wild birds, poultry and other animals around the world. When a new flu virus is discovered, it is named using an “H” and “N”—abbreviations for the two proteins ( hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) that make up a flu virus. Some combinations of “H” and “N” cause serious illness and likely death, while others cause only very mild symptoms in animals and in people. Flu viruses that begin with H5 or H7 are known to be those that are likely to make birds and people pretty sick. What’s the difference between avian and pandemic flu? The term “pandemic” refers to a disease being spread globally, transferred from person to person. Pandemic flu occurs when a flu virus spreads around the world. Pandemic flu itself is not a type of flu virus. Avian flu is a type of flu virus that originates in birds. At this point, avian flu is not currently causing a pandemic of flu in people. There is a type of avian flu (H5N1 bird flu) causing a pandemic in birds and poultry in other countries. Can people catch avian/bird flu? Yes. However, at this time, most people who have been infected with this type of flu had very close contact with sick birds, including working with them on farms and living with them in the same house. Currently, a person cannot catch this type of flu easily from another person. If the flu changes so people can get it easily from another person that could lead to a pandemic. How can I reduce my risk of getting seasonal flu, bird flu or pandemic flu? The best way to protect yourself from the common flu that goes around each year is to get a flu shot. However, there is currently no flu shot for avian or pandemic flu. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu, regardless of whether it’s avian, pandemic or seasonal:
Does the flu shot I get every year protect me from pandemic and bird flu? No; it does not. The vaccine only protects you against the types of flu that have been spread in the U.S. and around the world before and have gotten people sick. Is there a flu shot for bird flu? Not yet. A vaccine for this type of bird flu is being developed, but is not available for you to get at this time. Once it is available, it is expected to be in short supply for several months. It takes several months to make flu vaccines for each type of flu. Is there a medicine to make me feel better if I get bird flu? Bird flu is currently not in the United States. However, if infected birds are found here, or if people start to catch this flu from other people, there will be some medicine, but it will be in short supply. This medicine is called antiviral medication, which won’t make you feel better right away, but will shorten the amount of time you are sick. However, antiviral medications don’t work for everyone, and may not work against new kinds of flu viruses. First, birds around the world are becoming sick and dying, which has affected people who depend on raising chickens and other birds for their livelihoods. The avian flu that we are seeing today has also infected a small number of people that are in close contact with birds. Recently, people who were in close, long-term contact with a family member who was sick with avian flu became sick themselves. However, at this point, people can’t catch this flu (the H5N1 flu) easily from another person. If this changes, a lot of people will likely become sick and maybe die from this type of flu. Remember, the flu vaccine that people get every year does not keep people from getting avian flu. Yes. Although avian flu has not been reported in the United States, and no immediate threat of a pandemic exists, you should still be planning ahead so you and your family are prepared. There have been three flu pandemics in the last 100 years. Preparing for pandemic flu is very similar to planning for a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or other disaster. You should ask yourself questions including:
If bird flu comes into this country, how will I know if family members, friends or I am sick? The people that have become sick so far from avian flu, mostly in Asia, have started with similar symptoms to the flu that we see every year, but generally more severe. These include muscle aches, fever, cough and sore throat. What about my pet? Can pets, such as dogs, cats or birds, get avian flu? Yes. However, there is no risk to pets in the United States as this time, as H5N1 avian flu has not been seen here yet. When it does appear, you should seek the advice of public health and wildlife authorities about appropriate protections to take. Please call your local United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services office at 1-866-4-USDA-WS . Do not touch thebirds unless you have to. If you have to touch them, use strong, waterproof gloves and wash your hands and arms afterwards. Remember dead birds can be from other causes, not just avian flu. For more information, click here. Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs? Yes. You cannot catch avian/bird flu if your food is cooked at a high enough temperature. Avian flu is not spread through properly cooked food. To make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through, use a meat thermometer. The inside of your chicken should be at a temperature of at least 165 °F throughout. Never eat raw eggs or food with raw egg ingredients, such as cookie dough or cake batter. Be sure to thoroughly cook all dishes with raw eggs in them before eating them.
|
|||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
