Avian influenza

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Infected birds shed the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans; however, more than 200 confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997. These individuals have had direct contact with wild or domestic birds.

There is concern among many scientists and physicians worldwide that the virus may mutate and become easily transmittable from human to human. Research indicates that, should this occur, up to 40 percent of the workforce could be out sick or at home taking care of sick family members. Many essentials (e.g., electricity, food, water, etc.) would be disrupted.

In addition, a substantial percentage of the world's population will require some form of medical care. Healthcare facilities could be overwhelmed, creating a shortage of hospital staff, beds, equipment and other supplies.

This page provides up-to-date information on avian influenza, including signs and symptoms, treatment, when you should seek further medical attention, avian flu resource links and most importantly, how you can prepare and protect yourself and your family.

On this page:

• What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
• Signs and symptoms of avian influenza
• Treating symptoms of influenza at home
• When should you seek further medical attention if you have the flu?
• Protect yourself and your family
• Prepare yourself and your family
• PSST! Tool (English and Spanish)
• Avian influenza – other resources

What is avian influenza (bird flu)?

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

Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high forms of virulence. The "low pathogenic" form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the "highly pathogenic" form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100 percent, often within 48 hours.

How does avian influenza spread among birds?
Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated.

Do avian influenza viruses infect humans?
Avian flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but more than 200 confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have been reported since 1997. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains situation updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1). Please visit WHO situation updates and cumulative reports for additional information.

How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses?
Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. The spread of avian influenza viruses from an ill person to another person has been reported very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person. During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have direct or close contact with infected birds or with surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. For more information, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Facts About Pandemic Influenza

Signs and symptoms of avian influenza

How can I tell the difference between the flu and a cold?
In general, symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue and dry cough are more common with the flu while a runny or stuffy nose is more common with a cold.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of flu

•    Fever (100º- 104º) lasting 3 - 4 days
•    Chills and headache
•    Muscle aches
•    General weakness, extreme exhaustion
•    Dry cough
•    Sore throat
•    Runny or stuffy nose
•    Occasionally, stomach or intestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea); more common in children than adults

Treating symptoms of influenza at home

While there are plenty of things you can do at home to make yourself and family members more comfortable if you catch the flu, be sure to check with your family physician for specific guidance.

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of liquids, particularly those that contain electrolytes (such as Gatorade® or Powerade®)
• Dress in layers to make it easier to stay comfortable if you have a fever
• Avoid using tobacco and alcohol
• Treat symptoms of flu with appropriate over-the-counter medicines*:
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and muscle aches
• Decongestant for congestion, cough and nasal discharge
• If you develop flu symptoms and have an existing serious medical condition, consult your physician

*Never give aspirin to children or teenagers up to 18 years old without first speaking to a physician.

When should you seek further medical attention if you have the flu?

Most people with the flu are cared for at home. However, you should seek further medical attention if you have any of the symptoms below:

•    Difficulty breathing or sharp pain with deep breaths
•    Bluish skin color
•    Dizziness or fainting
•    Drowsiness or mental confusion
•    Cough with a lot of mucus
•    Dehydration (dry mouth or excessive thirst)
•    Severe or persistent vomiting
•    Severe or persistent symptoms (lasting more than a week)
•    Return or worsening of fever or cough after symptoms have improved
•    Worsening of an existing serious medical condition (e.g., heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc.)

Protect yourself and your family

C	Cover your cough and sneeze Use tissues, dispose of them properly and then wash your hands.
H	Have healthy hands Wash your hands often and well.
I	Isolate yourself Maintain personal space of 3 - 6 feet to minimize exposure to influenza virus from those who may be ill; stay home if you become ill.
R	Reduce germs in your home and workplace Regularly disinfect common surfaces such as phones, remote controls, door knobs, light switches, toys, etc.
P	Prepare yourself and your family Get vaccinated yearly and create an emergency plan and kit for yourself and your family.

Prepare yourself and your family

In Case of Emergency (ICE) Stickers

Place an ICE sticker on your home or cell phone to let emergency personnel know you have programmed the contact information of the individual you would like called if you are injured or incapacitated. See an example.

"PEACE" of Mind Checklist

The Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response has a tool that can assist with developing and maintaining your personal preparedness plan. This simple checklist (en español) can be displayed in a prominent location in your home and will serve as an ongoing reminder of the need for you and your family to be prepared. It can provide you with peace of mind — reassuring you that you have take appropriate steps to be ready for an emergency.

PSST! Tool

   Spanish

   English

PERSONAL INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS
SHOULD NOT BE A SECRET!

PROTECT yourself and your family, recognize the SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of influenza and TREAT symptoms of influenza at home. To receive a free PSST! wallet card, please contact Yale New Haven Health Call Center at (888) 461-0106. Also available in Spanish.

Avian influenza - other resources

• Avian influenza - current situation
• Avian influenza hospital preparedness checklist
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Healthcare facility infection control recommendations for avian influenza
• Preparedness checklists
• The State of Connecticut Laboratory Testing for Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus
• U.S. government avian influenza information
• World Health Organization

Contact us

Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
1 Church Street, 5th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Telephone: (203) 688-3224
Fax: (203) 688-4618
E-mail: center@ynhh.org