Avian Influenza—What’s it all About?

What is all this talk about a “Bird Flu”?  Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is found in bird population and is highly contagious among birds.  It can make some domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys very sick and may even cause death.  Bird Flu usually does not infect humans but several cases of human infection with Bird Flu have occurred in recent years.  What is the danger to humans?  Primarily the concern is the changing of the virus or mutation which could cause the Bird Flu to move more rapidly to humans.  Because the viruses are not commonly found in humans there is little immunity so the disease could spread rapidly causing a “pandemic” affecting a very high proportion of the population.  CDC is working to prepare for a possible outbreak of Bird Flu by training officials to detect the virus early, stockpiling antiviral drugs which probably work against the Bird Flu, and working with other organizations world wide to develop an effective vaccine.

What else can you do to prevent the Bird flu if and when it arrives?  Again, the CDC has some advice:

• Avoid close contact with others who have flu symptoms.
• Stay at home as much as possible during flu season.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands after contacting others or surfaces others have touched.
•  Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

 The bottom line is prepare for the regular flu season as always and be aware of the possibility of Bird Flu by keeping up to date on the news from CDC.