National Security Health Policy Center

Bird Flu and You: What is Bird Flu?

Every year, a flu virus infects people around the world. This flu is a yearly, or seasonal, event. In the United States, the flu season begins in late December and ends in March, killing about 36,000 people (approximately 250,000 – 500,000 worldwide). Typically, the seasonal flu is most dangerous for the very young, the very sick, and the very old. Occasionally, a new flu virus appears that can affect large numbers of people anywhere in the world, at any time of the year. This is called a pandemic flu and causes many more deaths than seasonal flu.

Currently, there is a flu virus in birds, called H5N1 that is of extreme concern to health officials. In Asia, H5N1 has already killed large numbers of chickens, ducks, and geese raised on farms. The virus can pass between farmers’ birds and wild birds, causing it to spread worldwide. The virus can slightly mutate and can then be passed directly from birds to humans. The final step to a pandemic is a further mutation in the virus that allows it to pass easily from human to human. There have been a few reported cases of the virus being passed from human to human, but as of now, it is a rare event. Many scientists feel that it is just a matter of time, however, before this mutation occurs, thus causing a pandemic.

In addition to excerpts from the “Bird Flu and You” poster, please find several helpful links as well as additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding bird flu.

Please note that we are out of inventory of the Bird Flu Poster and have discontinued the distribution of it. NDU is currently updating the poster and will release a new version in late 2006. For more information please visit NDU's web site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bird Flu

Is H5N1 the same as SARS?
No. H5N1 is a completely different virus from the one that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  

What age group is likely to be infected by H5N1?
All ages are vulnerable to the virus.

Can I get H5N1 from eating infected poultry or eggs?
In general, scientists do not think you can get H5N1 from eating infected poultry or eggs. To avoid any possibility of getting sick, follow safe cooking practices: Cook chicken or eggs at temperatures above (70 ºC (158ºF); keep raw and cooked foods apart; wash your hands when handling raw foods; clean cutting boards, counter tops, and utensils; d o not eat raw, undercooked poultry or poultry products, or raw runny eggs.

Can I get H5N1 from working with/around poultry? What if I work on a farm?
Exposure to infected poultry and their droppings or dust contaminated with poultry droppings has been associated with human infection; however, this is a rare occurrence. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have developed recommendations for people working with poultry. For further details, visit their websites. www.cdc.gov and www.who.int

Is it safe to visit other countries that have reported cases of H5N1 infection?
To date, the WHO has not advised any travel restrictions. When visiting affected countries, avoid farms and live poultry and birds, and adopt good hygiene practices. The CDC provides updated information for travelers. For further details, visit their website www.cdc.gov/travel

Are there any supplements, herbs or natural food products, I can take to help protect me from H5N1?
Information regarding dietary supplements and herbal remedies have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conjunction with H5N1 and therefore should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent the virus without the supervision of a medical doctor. Because supplements and over the counter products can interfere with prescription medicines please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.

What should I do if I am pregnant during the pandemic?
Make sure you get your seasonal flu shot, even though it will not protect you from H5N1 it will still protect your from the seasonal flu. Keep all appointments with your doctor. At the first onset of flu symptoms, go see your doctor.

Should I wear a mask?
Expert opinions are divided about how effective wearing masks will be at controlling the spread of H5N1, but using a mask will not harm you. Used masks should be disposed of in a sealed plastic bag and then placed into a trashcan.

Should I stockpile food and water? If so, for how many days?
Experts recommend stockpiling three days worth of non-perishable food and stockpiling three gallons of water for each person in your household per day.

Will my annual flu shot (vaccination) protect me against H5N1?
No. Your yearly flu vaccination will not provide any protection against H5N1.

Will I need to be quarantined?
Once WHO declares a state of pandemic flu exists in the United States it is likely that authorities will ask people to voluntarily restrict their movement and activities. For those who are infected with H5N1, involuntary movement & activity restrictions may be imposed to limit the spread of H5N1. (See “Social Distancing and Movement & Activity Restrictions”.)

Who should I contact if I think I’m infected with H5N1?
If you believe you are infected or have been ill for longer than ten days with a fever above 104 ° F, contact your health care provider.

Can I go to my doctor/health care provider and be tested for H5N1?
No. As of July 2005, there is no routine test for H5N1.

Am I at a greater risk for being infected with H5N1 if my immune system is already weakened due to HIV, cancer treatment, or other health problems?
People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of H5N1 related complications and, if infected, may be capable of spreading the virus for longer periods of time.

When will there be an outbreak of H5N1 in the United States?
Scientists cannot say that there will definitely be an outbreak in the United States, although most believe that it will happen. It is not possible to predict an exact date. Scientists have identified a number of events that they would expect to see as we approach an outbreak and they have already observed many of them. Therefore, it is wise to start preparing now. If a pandemic reaches the United States, an announcement will likely be made on television, in newspapers, on the Internet or the radio.

Are there any devices or products that will boost my immune system and provide protection for H5N1?
If a pandemic occurs, it is highly likely that many people will be offering to sell you a variety of products that they will claim are designed to protect you from H5N1. In nearly all cases, such products will be of little to no value and just cost you money. Follow the advice of public health officials and your personal physician.

Is there a vaccine for the H5N1 virus?
As of July 2005, there is no vaccine for the H5N1 virus. However, scientists are working to develop one.

How long will it take to develop a vaccine for the H5N1 virus?
The exact time to develop a vaccine for the H5N1virus is unknown, but it estimated that it will take four to six months.

How is the H5N1 virus transmitted? How does the H5N1 spread?
The H5N1 virus may be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated birds or from contaminated surfaces. Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with excretions or surfaces that are contaminated. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. The H5N1 virus may also be transmitted to humans via contact with another infected animal, such as a pig. So far the spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been rare and spread has not been documented beyond one person. Because all viruses have the ability to change their genetic material, H5N1 could develop the ability to spread from one person to another (human-to-human transmission). If the virus were able to spread easily, a pandemic influenza could begin.

Are there special precautions to take if I have pet birds?
As of July 2005, no birds kept as pets have been reported to be infected with the H5N1 virus. There should be no cause for concern if bird owners are careful to keep their birds in clean conditions, keep their birds away from any wild birds that may carry the virus, and wash their hands after handling birds or after coming into contact with their birds' droppings. Do not allow your pet birds to come into contact with wild birds.

Can my pets (cats, dogs) contract the virus? Can I contract the virus from them?
In Asia, the H5N1 virus has been reported to have infected domestic cats and tigers that came into contact with infected birds. Cats and dogs are capable of becoming infected with the H5N1 virus and of spreading the H5N1 virus. However, there have been no reports of cats and dogs spreading the H5N1 virus to humans as of July 2005. Also see the diagram in the "Bird Flu and You" poster.

Is it safe to visit other countries that have reported cases of the H5N1 virus?
As of July 2005, the WHO has not advised any travel restrictions. If traveling abroad and you are going to eat poultry make sure the meat is well cooked. When visiting affected countries, avoid farms, markets with live birds, live poultry and birds, and adopt good hygiene practices.

Links for Further Information on Bird Flu

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/flu/avian

National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO)
http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/pandemics/

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html

U.S. Department of State
http://www.state.gov/g/oes/avianflu/

U.S National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birdflu.html

Bi-weekly avian influenza maps
http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/empres/maps.html

Protection of workers against avian flu
www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html

Disease in poultry and potential threats to humans
www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_ahavianflu.html

Travel Advisories
www.cdc.gov/travel

Research
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/influenza/

This guide and the Bird Flu Poster do not necessarily represent the views of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. They are not intended to substitute for information from law enforcement officials or medical professionals. In the event of an emergency, you should contact the appropriate agencies.