Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza

Bird FluWhat is bird influenza (flu)?Bird flu is also called avian flu. It is caused by flu viruses found in birds. There are different kinds of bird flu. The one that scientists think could be dangerous 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 get sick or 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.It has only happened a few times since 1997. These cases probably occurred because people were in contact with infected birds, bird feces or bird remains.

Can I catch bird flu from a sick person?There are no known cases of one person catching bird 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 the bird flu virus survive outside the body?  No one is sure. The virus could survive for days on surfaces after it is expelled by coughing or sneezing.

Who is most at risk for infection from the bird flu?People working with poultry outside of America are at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza

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 can use to detect bird flu. Only laboratories like those used by the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) have tests to detect bird flu. If there is an outbreak these laboratories 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 a bird flu vaccine. It may take time before it is approved for use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza

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 temperatures above 165 degrees keep raw and cooked foods apart wash hands after handling raw foods clean surfaces and utensils before and after cooking.

Will my regular flu shot protect me from bird flu?The flu shot offered every year is not supposed to protect from bird flu. If there is a bird 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 if bird flu 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

Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza

What is MDH doing to get ready for pandemic flu?MDH and its federal partners: maintain a state of active awareness monitor health issues regarding pandemic 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)www.HealthyMS.com.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1-800-CDC-INFO www.CDC.gov/flu/avian.

The US Department of Health and Human Services www.PandemicFlu.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avian and Pandemic Influenza