What is Avian/Pandemic Flu?
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Avian influenza (sometimes called bird flu) refers to a large group of influenza (flu) viruses that primarily affect birds.
Avian flu viruses are common among wild birds and usually cause only mild illness, although some strains can cause serious illness with a high death rate. On rare occasions, these bird viruses can infect other species including pigs, cats, and humans. The vast majority of avian influenza viruses do not infect humans.
Avian influenza H5N1 is a strain with pandemic potential because it is widespread and has shown the ability to infect and cause severe illness in people.
A flu pandemic is a widespread outbreak of the flu. A flu virus is constantly changing. Pandemic flu is any new form of the flu virus that:
- Is easily spread between people
- Few people are immune to, if any
- Compared to the yearly seasonal flu, pandemic flu can make many more people sick and may cause more severe illness.
A flu pandemic could happen anytime. No one can predict when or where it could spread. Modern travel makes it possible for a virus to circle the globe faster than ever. A moderate flu pandemic could affect thousands. But a severe one could affect millions. M any experts think the next pandemic flu will be a bird (avian) flu virus called H5N1. Catching the flu from an infected animal is rare. However, it could happen through contact with an infected animal’s feces, saliva or mucus. But if an animal flu virus evolves so that it could infect humans—and be passed from human to human—it could start a flu pandemic.
For comprehensive information about pandemic influenza, see:
For more about avian influenza viruses in birds, see:
For up-to-date information on the number of human cases and countries affected see:
Practicing good hygiene is the most important thing you can do to help prevent the spread of pandemic flu. The flu spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes. These can spray droplets containing the virus through the air and:
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Into the mouths or noses of people nearby
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Onto surfaces that people tough before touching their nose, mouth or eyes.
Wash your hands regularly. This helps prevent the flu virus—and other germs—from spreading. Always your wash hands with soap and water:
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After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
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After using the bathroom
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Before and after preparing or eating food, after contact with raw meat or eggs
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Before and after any contact with someone
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who is sick or injured
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After contact with an animal or animal waste
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Any time hands are visibly dirty
How Can You Prevent the Spread of Germs?
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Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue. Stay at least 3 feet away from others if you or others are coughing and sneezing—or if they are.
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Don’t share personal items. For example, don’t share towels, utensils, cups, glasses, straws, razors, toothbrushes.
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Practice food safety. Thoroughly cook meat, poultry and eggs. Carefully clean any surface—including hands and utensils—after contact with raw products. This helps kill flu viruses or other germs that might be present.
How Can You Be Prepared for a Pandemic?
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You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family.
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Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand.
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Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
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Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
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Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
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Stay healthy. Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs.
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Get informed. Knowing the facts is the best preparation.
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Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue. Stay at least 3 feet away from others if you or others are coughing and sneezing—or if they are.
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Don’t share personal items. For example, don’t share towels, utensils, cups, glasses, straws, razors, toothbrushes.
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Practice food safety. Thoroughly cook meat, poultry and eggs. Carefully clean any surface—including hands and utensils—after contact with raw products. This helps kill flu viruses or other germs that might be present.
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Teach children how to protect themselves. I t’s especially important for them to wash their hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. Also, tell them to never play with or touch sick or dead animals.
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