Pandemic Influenza, Avian Influenza

Pandemic flu occurs when a new or mutated influenza virus appears or emerges in the human population and causes a global outbreak of the disease, resulting in serious illness as it spreads from person to person. Pandemic flu has occurred naturally throughout history. There have been four pandemics in the last 100 years:

1918 - 1919: "Spanish flu"
1956 - 1958: "Asian flu"
1968 - 1969: "Hong Kong flu"
2009 - 2010: "Swine flu"

What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic?

Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza because seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that are already in existence among populations. Pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes being developed, those that have never circulated or have not been around for a long time.

What is avian influenza ("bird flu")?

Avian influenza or bird flu is an infection caused by bird flu viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds and they carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Birds act as hosts to influenza viruses by carrying the virus in their intestines and shedding it in bodily fluids, such as saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Other birds become infected when they come in contact with these fluids. Humans can become infected through contact with infected poultry or these contaminated fluids.

What are the symptoms of avian influenza in people?

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia and other severe and life-threatening complications.

How is avian influenza in humans treated?

Health care providers will treat their patients based on the severity of their symptoms. Treatment may include hospitalization, supportive care and/or the use of antivirals. One antiviral drug called Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has been shown in studies to possibly protect against the H5N1 strain of influenza.

Is it safe to eat chicken or turkey?

Yes, it is safe to eat poultry that has been fully cooked. General precautions should always be taken when handling any raw meat, including raw eggs, to avoid possibly spreading germs. These measures include:

• Washing hands and surfaces before and after food preparation
• Avoiding using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods, even cooked meat
• Cooking raw meat thoroughly

The U.S. bans imports of poultry from areas inflicted with bird flu.

What is the Northern Kentucky Health Department doing about the threat of bird flu?

The Health Department’s response to bird flu would be similar to its response to any other disease outbreak that could require isolation, vaccination or medication of a large group of people. The Health Department’s disaster response plans are designed to be utilized in any number of disease outbreaks. Included in these plans are the opening of sites in our communities, if necessary, where medication or vaccines could be widely dispensed to the public.

In addition, the Health Department already has programs in place to monitor for any possible disease outbreaks. If it becomes apparent that bird flu is present in humans in the United States, the Health Department, along with the hospitals and health labs, would enhance their disease surveillance efforts.

If an outbreak of avian influenza or any other type of flu pandemic were to occur in our community, the Health Department would utilize all the tools at its disposal to respond to this threat.  

How can I protect myself from bird flu?

Health officials recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against avian flu as they would from colds and other flu.

Precautions include:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
• Frequently washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Staying home if you have a cough or fever.
• Seeing your health care provider as soon as possible if you have a cough or fever and following their instructions as prescribed.
  

How can I get ready for a possible pandemic influenza outbreak?

When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter.

• Food and water - Be sure to have several days to a week's supply of canned/dried food and water on hand and a can opener. Grocery stores may not have adequate supplies or staff available to remain open. Don't forget baby formula and diapers. Basic utilities such as electricity or water may experience disruptions.

• Medications, First Aid Kit and equipment - If you must take medications on a regular basis, be sure to have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay.

• Blankets - Ensure that you have plenty of warm blankets on hand in case of electricity disruptions.

• Phone - If there are disruptions to power, you will require a telephone (standard wired phone) that does not run on power from an electrical outlet. Cell phones may operate when the power is out, but wireless phones will not.

• Battery powered radio with extra batteries

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Items for personal comfort - Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, facial and bathroom tissue should be on hand to make your time at home more comfortable. Be sure to include items for children such as coloring books, games and activities.

• Large trash bags and ties - Large trash bags should be kept on hand to store garbage safely because garbage service may be disrupted or postponed for many days.

• Pets - Ensure you have plenty of food, water or litter available for your pets.

• Emergency Plan - Take the time to prepare a family emergency plan. Record medical histories, social security numbers and contact information on the Kentucky Community Information Pocket Guide. Ensure your children and family members know who to contact in an emergency. Don't forget to check in on your neighbors and the elderly in your community.

Where can I get more information on bird flu or pandemic flu?

For more information online, you can visit the following Web sites:

Kentucky:

Kentucky Department for Public Health bird flu information

Kentucky Department for Public Health draft Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan

Kentucky Community Pocket Information Guide (or call 859.363.2036 to receive a hard copy)

Kentucky Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza page

National:

U.S. Government’s Pandemic flu Web site

CDC’s Key Facts about Avian Influenza

Global:

World Health Organization’s (WHO) Frequently Asked Questions on Bird Flu

Or, for more information on the Health Department’s programs, please call 859.341.4264.