Bird Flu – Should I be Concerned?  

There is a LOT of information out there in the media right now regarding Avian Influenza or “Bird Flu”.  It’s not easy to sort through all of the hype and figure out what you need to be concerned about.  It is important to be concerned about avian influenza but not panicked.  We all have to be cautiously concerned but getting too excited can be a problem as well.  

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian influenza virus.  These flu viruses occur naturally among birds.  Wild birds carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.  However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them.  Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with bird flu have occurred since 1997 but NOT in the U.S.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory distress and other severe life-threatening complications.

 Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces.  Susceptible birds, like the domesticated poultry, become infected when they have contact with the contaminated excretions of the infected birds.  Humans who have become infected have believed to become infected from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

 This particular virus (H5N1) does not usually infect humans.  In 1997, however, the first case of spread from bird to human was seen during an outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Hong Kong .  More recently the human cases have been in Thailand , Vietnam and Cambodia . So far the spread from person to person has been rare and spread has not continued beyond one person.  However, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could one day be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.  Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, we have little or no immune protection against them.  That is why there is such a concern about pandemic spread.

 Vaccine development efforts are underway but it is not ready just yet.  The antiviral flu medications that are out on the market now would help us fight the virus if we are able to get enough for our population when this deadly virus arrives in the U.S.   CDC is working hard on a number of pandemic prevention and preparedness activities at this point in time. 

 What can you do?   We can all cover our noses and mouths when we cough, especially in public places so we don’t potentially spread any viruses to those around us.  Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol based hand gel if soap and water isn’t available.  Taking the flu vaccine is a good idea.  It may not protect you from the avian flu but we really aren’t sure - you might get some degree of immunity from just taking the regular flu vaccine on a consistent basis.

 Your best line of defense at this point is to stay as healthy as possible, get plenty of rest, eat the right foods, take the flu vaccine and wash your hands frequently..  If you have any concerns about your health or the new avian flu strain, speak with your healthcare professional.  Another excellent source is the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov – this site contains the most up to date information on avian influenza and how to keep yourself safe and healthy.