Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza

Bird Flu

What is bird influenza (flu)?

Bird fluis also called avian flu. Itis caused by flu viruses found in birds.There are different kinds of bird flu.The one that scientists think could bedangerous to humans is H5N1.

What kinds of birds carry bird flu?

Some wild birds carry the virus. It does not usually make them sick. Domestic birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys can also carry it. They may getsickor die.

Have any birds in the United States been infected with bird flu?

There have been 16 cases of avian flu in poultry since 1997.None of these have been caused by H5N1.

Can other kinds of animals become infected with bird flu?

Yes. It is not common.

Can bird flu spread from birds to people?

The virus can change to become dangerous to both birds and people. This is rare.

Ithas only happened a few times since1997.These cases probably occurred because people were in contact with infected birds, bird feces or bird remains.

Can I catch bird flu from a sickperson?

There are no known cases of one person catchingbird flu from another person.

Is bird flu very contagious?

Right now the bird flu virus is not very contagious. It is hard to spread between people.

How long can thebird flu virus survive outside the body?

No one is sure. The viruscould survive for days on surfaces after it is expelled by coughing or sneezing.

Who ismost at risk for infection from the bird flu?

Peopleworking with poultry outside of America are at risk.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in people?

Symptoms could include:

  • fever
  • body ache
  • cough
  • fatigue

Any kind of flu is a serious illness. See a doctor if you or your child experiences:

  • high fever
  • difficult breathing
  • bluish skin
  • dizziness or fainting
  • return of fever or cough after symptoms have improved
  • dehydration
  • confusion
  • severe vomiting
  • cough with yellow mucus or saliva
  • symptoms lasting longer than 10 days

Is there a test for bird flu?

There is no test your doctor canuse to detect bird flu. Only laboratorieslike thoseused by the Mississippi Department of Health(MDH) have tests to detect bird flu. If there is an outbreak theselaboratories would supply your doctor with information to make the right diagnosis.

How do I know if I am sick with bird flu?

If you become sick with the flu it is probably the common seasonal flu.If bird flu is found in your area then a doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and recommend treatment.

What treatment is there for bird flu?

Bird flu may be treated with antiviral drugs. These drugs require a doctor’s prescription. People sick with any kind of flu should rest and drink plenty of liquids. Sick people should also not use alcohol or tobacco. People with the flu can take medication for symptoms.

Is there a vaccine for bird flu?

Scientists are developing abird flu vaccine. It may take time before it is approved for use.

Is it safe to eat chicken or turkey?

Scientists think that you can’t get sick from eating infected poultry or eggs.

To avoid any possibility of getting sick, follow safe cooking practices:

  • cook chicken and eggs at temperaturesabove 165 degrees
  • keep raw and cooked foods apart
  • wash hands after handling raw foods
  • cleansurfaces and utensils before and after cooking.

Will my regular flu shot protect me from bird flu?

Theflu shot offered every year is not supposed to protect from bird flu.If there isabird flu outbreak,medicine will be available from public health authorities.

Pandemic Flu

What is pandemic flu?

Pandemic flu is an outbreak of bird flu or any flu that causes serious illness and spreads easily between people all over the world.

Is bird flu the same as pandemic flu?

A pandemic is any kind of global disease that spreads easily and causes serious illness. An outbreak of bird flu could become a pandemic outbreak only if it changes to a form that spreads between people.

Will bird flu cause the next influenza pandemic?
Scientists do not know ifbirdflu will cause a pandemic. Public health officials are watching for outbreaks, working with other scientists, building stocks of antiviral medicines, and working to make a vaccine.This will help protect us no matter what kind of flu becomes a pandemic.

How is seasonal flu different from pandemic flu?

Seasonal flu outbreaks:

  • follow predictable patterns
  • usually happen each winter
  • more people are immune
  • fewer deaths

Pandemic flu outbreaks:

  • occur a few times each century
  • people are not usually immune
  • symptoms more severe
  • more deaths

What is MDH doing to get ready for pandemic flu?

MDH and its federal partners:

  • maintain a state of active awareness
  • monitorhealth issues regardingpandemic flu
  • work to educate the public about flu
  • have a plan that includes dispensing vaccines and other medical materials to Mississippians in need

What can I do now to prepare my family for a potential pandemic?

Practice good hygiene. Make it a habit now. It can protect you if there is an outbreak:

  • wash your hands regularly
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue
  • throw away tissues so other people won’t come into contact with them
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after handling contaminated items.

Do all that you can to improve your health now. Healthy bodies are more resistant to disease:

  • If you smoke, stop
  • improve your eating habits
  • exercise regularly
  • get regular medical checkups
  • get all recommended vaccinations

Listen to the news. Stay informed if there is an outbreak. Follow the instructions of public health authorities at that time.

Where can I find more information?

Mississippi Department of Health (MDH)

1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1-800-CDC-INFO

The US Department of Health and Human Services