You've probably heard about avian flu,
also known as bird flu, and may be
wondering if you or your family
members are at risk. Here is some
information that will help in
understanding avian or bird flu.
What is avian or bird flu?
The highly pathogenic influenza A
virus subtype H5N1 is an emerging
avian influenza virus that has been
causing global concern as a potential
pandemic threat. It is often referred
to simply as "bird flu" or "avian
influenza", even though it is only one
subtype of avian influenza-causing
virus.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of bird flu may
begin within two to eight days of
infection, depending on the type. In
most cases, they resemble those of
conventional influenza, including:
Cough.
Fever.
Sore throat.
Muscle aches.
Headache.
Shortness of breath.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
See your doctor immediately if you
develop a fever, cough and body aches
and have recently traveled to a part
of the world where bird flu occurs. Be
sure to let your doctor know if you
visited any farms or open-air
markets.
CAUSES
Bird flu occurs naturally in wild
waterfowl and can spread into
domestic poultry, such as chickens,
turkeys, ducks and geese. The disease
is transmitted via contact with an
infected bird's feces, or secretions
from its nose, mouth or eyes.
Open-air markets, where eggs and
birds are sold in crowded and
unsanitary conditions, are hotbeds of
infection and can spread the disease
into the wider community.
Undercooked poultry meat or eggs
from infected birds can transmit bird
flu. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's
been cooked to an internal
temperature of 165 F (74 C). Eggs
should be cooked until the yolks and
whites are firm.
RISK FACTORS
The greatest risk factor for bird flu
seems to be contact with sick birds or
with surfaces contaminated by their
feathers, saliva or droppings. In very
few instances, bird flu has been
transmitted from one human to
another. But unless the virus begins
to spread more easily among people,
infected birds present the greatest
hazard.
The pattern of human transmission
remains mysterious. People of all ages
have contracted bird flu, though the
average age of people affected seems
to depend on the type of bird flu. The
average age of those affected by
H7N9 was 62, while the average age of
those with H5N1 was only 26.
Recent research suggests that
females may be at higher risk of bird
flu and its complications. However,
it's not clear exactly why that might
be so.
COMPLICATIONS
People with bird flu may develop life-
threatening complications, including:
Pneumonia
Collapsed lung
Respiratory failure
Kidney dysfunction
Heart problems
Although bird flu may kill more than
half the people it infects, the number
of fatalities is still low because so few
people have had bird flu. Fewer than
500 bird flu deaths have been reported
to the World Health Organization
since 1997.
In contrast, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention estimates
that seasonal influenza is responsible
for thousands of deaths each year in
the United States alone.
TESTS & DIAGNOSIS
Laboratory tests
Samples of fluids from your nose or
throat can be tested for evidence of
bird flu virus. These samples must be
taken within the first few days after
symptoms appear.
Imaging tests
X-rays may be useful in assessing the
condition of your lungs, which can help
determine the proper diagnosis and
the best treatment options for your
signs and symptoms.
TREATMENTS & DRUGS
Many influenza viruses have become
resistant to the effects of a
category of antiviral drugs that
includes amantadine and rimantadine
(Flumadine). Health officials
recommend the use of oseltamivir
(Tamiflu) or, if oseltamivir can't be
used, zanamivir (Relenza). These
drugs must be taken within two days
after the appearance of symptoms.
There is concern, however, that some
types of bird flu may be developing
resistance to oseltamivir. Chinese
health officials have developed
another type of flu medication that
received accelerated approval from
their government for the treatment
of H7N9 bird flu.
PREVENTION
Bird flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration has
approved one vaccine to prevent
infection with one strain of H5N1 bird
flu virus. This vaccine isn't available
to the public, but the U.S. government
is stockpiling it and will distribute it in
the event of an outbreak.
This vaccine could be used early in
such an outbreak to provide limited
protection until another vaccine —
designed to protect against the
specific form of the virus causing the
outbreak — is developed and produced.
Researchers continue to work on
other types of bird flu vaccines.
Recommendations for travelers
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia
or to any region with bird flu
outbreaks, consider these public
health recommendations:
Avoid domesticated birds. If possible,
avoid rural areas, small farms and
open-air markets.
Wash your hands. This is one of the
simplest and best ways to prevent
infections of all kinds. Use an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer containing at
least 60 percent alcohol when you
travel.
Ask about a flu shot. Before
traveling, ask your doctor about a flu
shot. It won't protect you specifically
from bird flu, but it may help reduce
the risk of simultaneous infection
with bird and human flu viruses.
Poultry and egg products
Because heat destroys avian viruses,
cooked poultry isn't a health threat.
Even so, it's best to take precautions
when handling and preparing poultry,
which may be contaminated with
salmonella or other harmful bacteria.
Avoid cross-contamination. Use hot,
soapy water to wash cutting boards,
utensils and all surfaces that have
come into contact with raw poultry.
Cook thoroughly. Cook chicken until
the juices run clear, and it reaches a
minimum internal temperature of 165
F (74 C).
Steer clear of raw eggs. Because
eggshells are often contaminated
with bird droppings, avoid foods
containing raw or undercooked eggs.