Bird Flu or "Avian Flu" - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is the bird flu?

The bird flu is also called ”avian influenza.” Sometimes it is called “H5N1”. Bird flu causes infection in birds. Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but this latest outbreak of bird flu (2002 to present) has infected people.

Why is there such a concern about the bird flu?

The strain of bird flu (H5N1) has infected a few people in the South East Asian, African and the European continents. When the illness infects people it is very serious. Scientists and health professionals are concerned that this bird flu may change into a virus that spreads easily from person-to-person.

How is bird flu spread?

As wild birds, such as ducks and geese, travel, they spread the virus to other birds. Domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys catch the disease from wild birds by drinking water infected with wild bird feces, or having close contact with wild birds at feeding sites.

How do people get bird flu?

People get bird flu from close contact with infected, domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys, by breathing the air where infected bird droppings are present, or by eating uncooked or under-cooked poultry. Most of the people who have been sick or died from bird flu have come into contact with domestic birds by living with, or very near chickens, ducks or turkeys, visiting open-air markets where domestic birds are sold, or attending cock fights in foreign countries. (Cock fighting is illegal in the U.S.).

If the news says that the bird flu has reached America, should you panic?

No. It is good to stay informed, but the arrival of bird flu on the American continent does not necessarily mean bad news. Be sure to turn to reliable sources for information.

Is the bird flu a pandemic flu?

No. The bird flu is not a pandemic flu. However, scientists and health officials are concerned because a small number of people in Asia, Europe and Africa have been infected with the bird flu since 2004. Keep in mind, however, millions of people in Asia, Africa and Europe have been exposed to the bird flu, but less than 200 people have been infected with it. Bird flu is still a bird disease.

Can bird flu become a pandemic flu?

It could, but we can’t be sure that it will happen.

When will you know that the bird flu is a pandemic flu?

The bird flu will be a pandemic if the H5N1 virus changes and spreads very easily from person-to-person, if many people get sick or die from the disease, and when the virus has infected people worldwide.

If the bird flu becomes a pandemic, what will happen?

A pandemic flu will probably be worse than a normal flu season, but we really don’t know how bad it will be. It is important to understand how bad it can be in order to be prepared.

How bad could it be?

Many communities are likely to be affected. A pandemic may come in “waves.” Many people will get sick for 6 to 8 weeks, then there will be a period where only a few people are getting sick. Within a month or 2, it will happen all over again. This may occur 2 or 3 more times.

What are the possible challenges?

Essential services you depend on may not be available due to illness and fear. These services include, but are not limited to health care, restaurants and theaters, government services, telephone and cellular services, banks and post offices, grocery stores and gas stations.

Food and water supplies may be interrupted and limited. Being able to work may be difficult or impossible. Schools and pre-schools may be closed for an extended period of time, and medical care for people with chronic illness could be a problem.

What about Vaccines? Can they help?

Knowledge of the exact strain of a virus is needed in order to produce vaccine that will protect against a pandemic virus. Getting the exact strain is very difficult because viruses constantly change. Once the strain is known, there will be a lag time before the vaccine can be made and distributed because of current vaccine production methods and capabilities.

After vaccine starts to be produced, will it be easy to get?

Probably not. Almost all of the world’s influenza vaccine is currently produced in 9 countries. These countries will likely vaccinate their population first. Only 100 to 250 million people worldwide will be vaccinated in the early waves of a pandemic. While that may sound like many people, keep in mind that there are over 6.5 billion people in the world today.

Will antiviral medicine help?

Antiviral medications are normally used to treat people who have just become sick with a virus. Some antiviral medicines may help in treating and preventing the spread of pandemic flu. It is unlikely that antiviral medications alone will stop the spread of pandemic flu.

Will facemasks be helpful?

Masks may help, but they are likely to be in short supply during a pandemic. Healthcare and laboratory workers will need to use masks when working with infected patients and specimens. The best thing you can do is wash your hands, practice good hygiene and cover your cough.

Is food safe?

Yes. As long as fowl (chicken, turkey and duck) meat, eggs products are properly prepared and handled, and as long as they are thoroughly cooked, this food is safe. For more information about food safety visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is it safe to handle dead birds or other animals?

Avoid bare-hand contact when handling dead birds or other animals.

What is Placer County doing to prepare for a pandemic?

Placer County is devoting many resources to plan for, respond to and reduce the impact of a pandemic. For example, a pandemic influenza taskforce of many community leaders and partners have been meeting to plan and develop strategies to minimize the spread and disruption a pandemic may cause. Placer County has been communicating expectations and responsibilities to many partners, such as healthcare providers and emergency responders. In addition, Placer County Health and Human Services is working to: teach healthcare professionals how to watch for the disease, ensure rapid reporting of outbreaks, and control outbreaks, if they happen. We are also planning to continue essential public health services in the community, while at the same time deal with an outbreak, and ensure timely, accurate information to the public about the status of pandemic in Placer County.

Should you worry?

No. But you should be prepared.

Should you depend on the government to prevent a pandemic and protect you?

No. County, state and federal governments, health workers and scientists around the world are doing everything they can to prevent and prepare for a pandemic, but they cannot do it alone. You should plan now to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

What can you do?

Stay healthy, practice good hand hygiene, and cover your cough. Get an annual flu shot. This will help keep you healthy. Stay home if you are sick. Be prepared to follow health instructions from health authorities that may include avoiding large crowds and limiting unnecessary travel. Keep food and supplies at home in case you need to stay there for several days or weeks, if necessary. Stay informed and develop a family emergency plan.

Where can you get more information about being prepared?

There are many sources. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at: FEMA.gov or call 1-800-480-2520. Visit the office of Homeland Security at: www.ready.gov or call 1-800-be-ready, or 1-800-464-6161 (TDD), or visit the Official Government website at: pandemicflu.gov

Where can you turn to for reliable, up-to-date information about the bird flu?

Current information is available from the U.S. official website for Pandemic Flu and the World Health Organization. Additional information is also available from the California Department of Health Services.

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	Bird Flu or "Avian Flu" - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers What is the bird flu? The bird flu is also called ”avian influenza.” Sometimes it is called “H5N1”. Bird flu causes infection in birds. Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but this latest outbreak of bird flu (2002 to present) has infected people. Why is there such a concern about the bird flu? The strain of bird flu (H5N1) has infected a few people in the South East Asian, African and the European continents. When the illness infects people it is very serious. Scientists and health professionals are concerned that this bird flu may change into a virus that spreads easily from person-to-person. How is bird flu spread? As wild birds, such as ducks and geese, travel, they spread the virus to other birds. Domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys catch the disease from wild birds by drinking water infected with wild bird feces, or having close contact with wild birds at feeding sites. How do people get bird flu? People get bird flu from close contact with infected, domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys, by breathing the air where infected bird droppings are present, or by eating uncooked or under-cooked poultry. Most of the people who have been sick or died from bird flu have come into contact with domestic birds by living with, or very near chickens, ducks or turkeys, visiting open-air markets where domestic birds are sold, or attending cock fights in foreign countries. (Cock fighting is illegal in the U.S.). If the news says that the bird flu has reached America, should you panic? No. It is good to stay informed, but the arrival of bird flu on the American continent does not necessarily mean bad news. Be sure to turn to reliable sources for information. Is the bird flu a pandemic flu? No. The bird flu is not a pandemic flu. However, scientists and health officials are concerned because a small number of people in Asia, Europe and Africa have been infected with the bird flu since 2004. Keep in mind, however, millions of people in Asia, Africa and Europe have been exposed to the bird flu, but less than 200 people have been infected with it. Bird flu is still a bird disease. Can bird flu become a pandemic flu? It could, but we can’t be sure that it will happen. When will you know that the bird flu is a pandemic flu? The bird flu will be a pandemic if the H5N1 virus changes and spreads very easily from person-to-person, if many people get sick or die from the disease, and when the virus has infected people worldwide. If the bird flu becomes a pandemic, what will happen? A pandemic flu will probably be worse than a normal flu season, but we really don’t know how bad it will be. It is important to understand how bad it can be in order to be prepared. How bad could it be? Many communities are likely to be affected. A pandemic may come in “waves.” Many people will get sick for 6 to 8 weeks, then there will be a period where only a few people are getting sick. Within a month or 2, it will happen all over again. This may occur 2 or 3 more times. What are the possible challenges? Essential services you depend on may not be available due to illness and fear. These services include, but are not limited to health care, restaurants and theaters, government services, telephone and cellular services, banks and post offices, grocery stores and gas stations. Food and water supplies may be interrupted and limited. Being able to work may be difficult or impossible. Schools and pre-schools may be closed for an extended period of time, and medical care for people with chronic illness could be a problem. What about Vaccines? Can they help? Knowledge of the exact strain of a virus is needed in order to produce vaccine that will protect against a pandemic virus. Getting the exact strain is very difficult because viruses constantly change. Once the strain is known, there will be a lag time before the vaccine can be made and distributed because of current vaccine production methods and capabilities. After vaccine starts to be produced, will it be easy to get? Probably not. Almost all of the world’s influenza vaccine is currently produced in 9 countries. These countries will likely vaccinate their population first. Only 100 to 250 million people worldwide will be vaccinated in the early waves of a pandemic. While that may sound like many people, keep in mind that there are over 6.5 billion people in the world today. Will antiviral medicine help? Antiviral medications are normally used to treat people who have just become sick with a virus. Some antiviral medicines may help in treating and preventing the spread of pandemic flu. It is unlikely that antiviral medications alone will stop the spread of pandemic flu. Will facemasks be helpful? Masks may help, but they are likely to be in short supply during a pandemic. Healthcare and laboratory workers will need to use masks when working with infected patients and specimens. The best thing you can do is wash your hands, practice good hygiene and cover your cough. Is food safe? Yes. As long as fowl (chicken, turkey and duck) meat, eggs products are properly prepared and handled, and as long as they are thoroughly cooked, this food is safe. For more information about food safety visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Is it safe to handle dead birds or other animals? Avoid bare-hand contact when handling dead birds or other animals. What is Placer County doing to prepare for a pandemic? Placer County is devoting many resources to plan for, respond to and reduce the impact of a pandemic. For example, a pandemic influenza taskforce of many community leaders and partners have been meeting to plan and develop strategies to minimize the spread and disruption a pandemic may cause. Placer County has been communicating expectations and responsibilities to many partners, such as healthcare providers and emergency responders. In addition, Placer County Health and Human Services is working to: teach healthcare professionals how to watch for the disease, ensure rapid reporting of outbreaks, and control outbreaks, if they happen. We are also planning to continue essential public health services in the community, while at the same time deal with an outbreak, and ensure timely, accurate information to the public about the status of pandemic in Placer County. Should you worry? No. But you should be prepared. Should you depend on the government to prevent a pandemic and protect you? No. County, state and federal governments, health workers and scientists around the world are doing everything they can to prevent and prepare for a pandemic, but they cannot do it alone. You should plan now to keep you and your family healthy and safe. What can you do? Stay healthy, practice good hand hygiene, and cover your cough. Get an annual flu shot. This will help keep you healthy. Stay home if you are sick. Be prepared to follow health instructions from health authorities that may include avoiding large crowds and limiting unnecessary travel. Keep food and supplies at home in case you need to stay there for several days or weeks, if necessary. Stay informed and develop a family emergency plan. Where can you get more information about being prepared? There are many sources. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at: FEMA.gov or call 1-800-480-2520. Visit the office of Homeland Security at: www.ready.gov or call 1-800-be-ready, or 1-800-464-6161 (TDD), or visit the Official Government website at: pandemicflu.gov Where can you turn to for reliable, up-to-date information about the bird flu? Current information is available from the U.S. official website for Pandemic Flu and the World Health Organization. Additional information is also available from the California Department of Health Services.