Bird Flu Pandemic: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H5N1 bird flu a pandemic?
The current outbreak of H5N1 bird flu is a disease of birds that has made some people sick, but it is not a human pandemic. Bird flu would have to change form (mutate) to become pandemic flu. We don't know if that will ever happen.
Source: healthvermont.gov
The current outbreak of H5N1 bird flu is a disease of birds that has made some people sick, but it is not a human pandemic.
Source: healthvermont.gov
Is ‘bird flu’ or ‘pandemic flu’ in Australia?
There are no current reports of bird flu in animals or humans in Australia. A truly pandemic virus has not emerged yet, so is not present anywhere in the world.
Source: www.health.gov.au
Is a bird flu pandemic imminent?
The timing and severity of a pandemic cannot be predicted. Many scientists believe that it is only a matter of time before the avian flu, or some other disease, reaches pandemic proportions.
Source: www.medexassist.com
Probably not. But there are many unknowns involved, making accurate prediction impossible. Bird flu is still a bird disease. The H5N1 bird flu in Asia and Europe does not spread well from person-to-person. The bird flu virus can improve its transmissibility among humans via two principal mechanisms: The first is a “reassortment event”, in which a person is infected with a human flu and the bird flu virus at the same time. ...
Source: www.ci.pasadena.ca.us
Are avian (bird) flu and pandemic influenza the same?
NO! There is a big difference between avian influenza and pandemic influenza. Avian influenza infects mainly birds and poultry. It can also infect people or animals who have very close contact with sick birds or poultry. But bird flu is not easily spread from person to person, so it cannot cause a pandemic. A pandemic influenza could only happen if the virus changes so that it is passed easily from one person to another person. This kind of change has not happened with the avian H5N1 flu virus. ...
Source: www.countyofsb.org
What does a bird flu pandemic mean and will it happen?
Pandemic means epidemics or cases in more than one continent. Pandemic flu
will happen sooner or later. They happen from time to time as new strains of flu virus emerge and because humans have little or no immunity to these viruses. Three examples of these occurring are in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The 1918 pandemic killed around 50 million people worldwide, and pandemics in 1957 and 1968 were milder.
Source: www.publichealthathens.com
Is avian influenza (bird flu) a pandemic influenza?
Avian influenza (also called bird flu) refers to the H5N1 virus. Avian influenza H5N1 is not the same as a pandemic influenza. The H5N1 strain has not yet met the third condition for creating a pandemic it is not easily transmitted between humans. Many health officials think the H5N1 virus has the potential to become a pandemic influenza, and it is being carefully monitored. Other new, severe influenza viruses may emerge that are capable of becoming the source of the world's next pandemic influenza. ...
Source: blink.ucsd.edu
Is a bird flu pandemic really going to happen?
Many scientists believe it is a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. However, the timing and severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, so it is important to be prepared. There are numerous resources available to help individuals prepare for a pandemic. You can visit the Pandemic Influenza page on this site for more information.
Source: www.schd.org
What is the difference between seasonal flu, bird flu and pandemic influenza?
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available. Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. At this time the H5N1 virus cannot easily be transmitted from person to person. There is no human immunity to this virus and no vaccine is available. ...
Source: www.health.ri.gov
What are the differences between seasonal flu, bird flu and pandemic flu?
The difference between all three of these can be explained as follows: Seasonal Flu Refers to several common strains (specific forms) of flu virus that go around each year, mainly in fall and winter. A yearly shot (vaccine) can help prevent the flu. Bird (Avian) Flu Refers to flu strains that mainly infect poultry and some wild birds. If a bird flu were to evolve in a way that let it spread to people – and then spread easily between people – a flu pandemic could begin. ...
Source: www.vbschools.com
Can a regular flu shot protect you from bird flu or pandemic flu?
Current flu vaccines will not protect against a new pandemic strain of influenza virus.
Source: healthvermont.gov
Is there a vaccine for bird flu or another pandemic flu?
There currently is no vaccine to protect humans against a pandemic influenza virus because the pandemic virus has not yet fully developed. Vaccine production is a complicated and lengthy process. Because viruses change over time, a specific pandemic influenza vaccine cannot be produced until a pandemic influenza virus emerges in humans. It will likely take four to six months to develop, test and begin producing a vaccine. ...
Source: www.ci.austin.tx.us
How is Georgia preparing for bird flu and a potential pandemic?
The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are taking part in a number of prevention and preparedness activities, which include: The Georgia Poultry Laboratory assists with routine surveillance for H5 or H7 viruses in Georgia poultry Providers throughout the State of Georgia participate in the U.S. Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network Georgia is in the final stages of developing action plans for both Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Pan... ...
Source: www.publichealthathens.com
How is New Mexico preparing for bird flu and a potential pandemic?
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) are taking part in a number of prevention and preparedness activities, which include: The NMDA Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) and the Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) of the NMDOH assist with routine surveillance for H5 and H7 viruses in New Mexico poultry and wild birds. ...
Source: www.nmbirdflu.org
How are we preparing for any outbreak of bird flu or a potential pandemic?
DOA and the United States Department of Agriculture have prevention and preparedness programs in place to deal with any outbreak of avian influenza in poultry. Because scientists cannot predict if H5N1 will cause a pandemic, federal, state and local government and others are focusing on comprehensive public health efforts – increased monitoring for outbreaks, international cooperation, antiviral and vaccine stockpiles, and building capacity for vaccine production ...
Source: www.ct.gov
How can I reduce my risk of getting seasonal flu, bird flu or pandemic flu?
The best way to protect yourself from the common flu that goes around each year is to get a flu shot. However, there is currently no flu shot for avian or pandemic flu. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu, regardless of whether it’s avian, pandemic or seasonal: Wash your hands often, long enough and with warm water and soap. Wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” all the way through twice (about 20 seconds). Stay home from work or school when you are sick. ...
Source: www.getreadyforflu.org
Should I be stockpiling Tamiflu® or other antivirals to protect myself against bird flu or pandemic influenza?
No, it is not recommended that citizens stockpile antiviral drugs to protect against "bird flu" or pandemic influenza. The antivirals have limited usefulness in the prevention of flu, and the virus is capable of becoming resistant over time. Stockpiling Tamiflu® or other antiviral medications will also reduce already-limited supplies for the elderly and others at high risk for contracting seasonal influenza. Consequently, Tamiflu® and related drugs should only be administered under the guidance of a health care provider.
Source: www.caes.uga.edu
How is Cayman preparing for the bird flu and a potential pandemic?
Even though the chances of a bird flu outbreak in Cayman are currently remote, government has an inter-departmental surveillance programme in place for early detection of the disease in birds and humans and the management of such cases. A national plan is underway to prepare the Islands to deal with an influenza pandemic. According to estimates 10 to 25 percent of the population will be affected if a pandemic develops. This will have a serious impact on national economies and essential services. ...
Source: www.caymanprepared.ky
AI TERMS ARE CONFUSING – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN H5N1, BIRD FLU, PANDEMIC FLU AND SEASONAL FLU?
H5N1 Surface proteins on avian influenza viruses are classified as H – Hemagglutinin and N – Neuraminidase. There are 16 H and 9 N types affecting birds. The possible combinations of H & N surface proteins create the numerous strains of AI such as the Asian HPAI H5N1 currently affecting poultry, people and some wild birds in Europe, Africa and Asia. H5N1 is a form of HPAI, however, not all H5N1 avian viruses are HPAI. ...
Source: www.dnr.state.md.us
Are bird flu and a flu pandemic the same thing?
H5N1 bird flu primarily infects birds. In recent years, 204 people worldwide are known to have become infected; 113 died. The danger is if the bird flu virus mutates and becomes more easily transmitted from person to person. At that point, it could lead to a pandemic, which is a worldwide, rapid spread of the virus. All people would be susceptible, and death rates could be high.
Source: avianflu.futurehs.com
As a private American citizen living overseas, what can I do today to help prepare myself and my family for possible bird flu pandemic?
Several simple measures can be taken now that will put you in a better state of readiness should such a pandemic occur. First of all, as suggested for reasons other than just bird flu, purchase enough non-perishable food, water, and personal supplies for your family to last 7 days. Store it in a place where you will not be tempted to break into it for everyday use; if you are asked to "shelter in place" or remain in quarantine, these supplies will be vital. ...
Source: mauritius.usembassy.gov
I’m worried about bird flu and an influenza pandemic. Is Tamiflu available, should I wish to add it to my first aid kit?
This is something you will need to discuss with your doctor. Tamiflu is a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand and is not subsidised by the Government. Whether it is prescribed by a GP to a patient or not, at the patient’s request, is at the discretion of the GP. The issues that would have to be covered in a consultation would then be the specific indications for the use of the medicine and the importance of timely administration, emphasising that the best way to prevent influenza is by vaccination. ...
Source: avianflu.futurehs.com
I'm worried about bird flu and an influenza pandemic. Is Tamiflu available, should I wish to add it to my first aid kit?
This is something you will need to discuss with your doctor. Tamiflu is a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand and is not subsidised by the Government. Whether it is prescribed by a GP to a patient or not, at the patient's request, is at the discretion of the GP. The issues that would have to be covered in a consultation would then be the specific indications for the use of the medicine and the importance of timely administration, emphasising that the best way to prevent influenza is by vaccination. ...
Source: www.scoop.co.nz
