What is bird flu dangerous for?

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza not only kills chickens quickly, but it can also infect people. The World Health Organization has confirmed 126 infections and 64 deaths, with another nine suspected or locally confirmed cases.

Like all other flu strains, it is steadily changing. This virus lacks only the ability to pass among people the way ordinary, seasonal flu does. If it acquires this transmissibility, it will infect millions of people within months and it may be more fatal.


How does avian influenza spread among birds?

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions.

Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.


Is there a vaccine against bird flu?

There is an experimental vaccine, but flu experts say it is unlikely to be a good match for the H5N1 strain that will eventually emerge.

Using current technology it takes 6 months or more to make a new flu vaccine and there is no way to predict what the pandemic strain will look like.


Will the regular flu vaccine help?

No. The seasonal flu vaccine provides no protection against H5N1. But health officials recommend getting it for the simple reason of strengthening the human immunity and preventing a possible mutation with the avian flu.

There are four drugs that work against influenza in general - amantadine and rimantadine, Tamiflu, know generically as oseltamivir, and Relenza, known generically as zanamivir.


How can people protect themselves?

The same way they protect against any respiratory infection - by regularly washing hands, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and by avoiding anyone who is obviously ill.

In general, direct human infection with avian influenza viruses occurs very infrequently, and has been associated with direct contact (e.g., touching) infected sick or dead infected birds (domestic poultry).

Influenza viruses are carried in mucus, which people spread in droplets while talking, sneezing or coughing, or by touching their noses and mouths and then a surface.

A preventive measure while eating poultry, eggs and poultry products is cooking all those at high temperature.

Contact your state, tribal, or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found.


What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress syndrome), and other severe and life-threatening complications.

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection.


How is avian influenza detected in humans?

A laboratory test is needed to confirm avian influenza in humans.


Is there any difference between type strains H5 and H5N1?

Humans can be infected with influenza types A, B, and C viruses. Subtypes of influenza A that are currently circulating among people worldwide include H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 viruses. Wild birds are the natural host for all known subtypes of influenza A viruses.

Avian influenza A viruses of the subtypes H5 and H7,including H5N1, H7N7, and H7N3 viruses, have been associated with HPAI, and human infection with these viruses have ranged from mild (H7N3, H7N7) to severe and fatal disease (H7N7, H5N1).


How is avian influenza in humans treated?

Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans.

However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines.