Ohio Department of Aging
Site MapSite HelpContact Us Text Size:
August 2006
Many of us cannot remember the last two times a worldwide outbreak, or pandemic, of influenza occurred. There have been three pandemics in the last 100 years, the most recent being the "Hong Kong flu," a very mild flu pandemic, similar to seasonal flu, in 1968 - 1969.
A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.
Avian influenza - commonly called "bird flu" - is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them. However, the disease can be deadly to some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly dangerous strain of bird flu across eastern Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health worldwide. Infections have recently killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries.
To date, there have been no human cases of avian influenza in the United States and no Americans have been found to have been infected abroad. The current risk to Americans from the avian influenza outbreak in Asia, Europe and Africa is low.
Close contact with infected poultry is the most likely source of human infection. Though rare, there have been isolated reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus. Proper handling and cooking of poultry will minimize the chance of infection, as it does with other viruses and bacteria. Eating properly cooked poultry or eggs is not a danger to humans.
As with any type of flu, preventing its spread is also a matter of etiquette. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently and refrain from social activities if you show any symptoms.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical influenza-like symptoms - fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches - to eye infections, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia and other severe, life-threatening complications. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the bird flu. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is developing pre-pandemic vaccines based on current lethal strains of the virus, collaborating with industry to increase the nation's vaccine production capacity and seeking ways to expand or extend the existing supply.
The best preventive measures are good health habits which can help keep your body healthy and fight off the flu. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grain products. Drink plenty of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fat. Exercise on a regular basis - 30 minutes or more of physical activity most days of the week can help boost your immunity. Get plenty of rest. Sleep is proven to help your body's ability to fight off illness. Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
For more information on bird flu and how you can prepare in case of a possible pandemic, visit www.pandemicflu.gov and www.ohiopandemicflu.gov
Ohio Department of Aging