Most of the people infected with the bird flu had direct contact with infected birds or surfaces that were contaminated by them
By: Howard C. Lu, M.D. in Collaboration with Gloria N. Beck
Of late there are daily news reports concerning the potentially deadly avian or "bird" flu.
Most people are unsure how to react to the frightening headlines about victims dying from this disease, or speculations about an inevitable pandemic a worldwide outbreak of a new and deadly strain of flu.
While there are aspects of this emerging story that may warrant concern, first and foremost, the facts need to be put into perspective.
The bird flu is an infection caused by a strain of avian influenza that occurs naturally among birds.
Wild birds, such as ducks and geese, carry the virus in their intestines, but they don’t often get the disease. They can pass the disease on, however, to other migrating birds that, in turn, further spread the virus along migration routes.
Domestic birds, such as chickens and turkeys, can carry the virus and the infection, which can spread through their tainted feces, saliva or blood.
Over the past eight years, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has infected both birds and people in Asia, killing more than 140 million birds (including those "culled" or intentionally destroyed to stop its spread) and infecting 138 people, resulting in 68 known deaths.
Most of the people infected with the bird flu had direct contact with infected birds or surfaces that were contaminated by them. These victims typically lived in rural areas and maintained small poultry flocks, often handling the slaughter of poultry themselves. Chickens and turkeys also tend to roam freely in their households, increasing exposure to infected feces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are becoming increasingly concerned about the continued spread of this disease.
Over the past few years, the CDC has confirmed outbreaks of this deadly flu strain among birds in Cambodia, China, Croatia, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and, most recently, Kuwait.
While there have been cases of human-to-human transmission, these have been limited to people with extreme close contact to the infection or to infected people.
The concern is that this highly virulent strain of flu could eventually mutate or mix with human flu strains and become more easily transmissible between humans, sparking a worldwide outbreak or a pandemic.
The symptoms of bird flu in people tend to be similar to the typical flu, including fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. But this strain of flu can also cause eye infections, pneumonia, severe coughing and breathing problems.
Unlike the common flu viruses, there is no vaccine available to protect against the avian flu. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza, while not a cure, may help to reduce the severity or length of the illness.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that countries begin to stockpile these medications in the event of a pandemic.
In the United States, the effort to secure millions of doses of these medications has already begun, while scientists are also working to develop a vaccine to prevent the avian flu.
Meanwhile, health officials around the world are taking precautions to reduce the further spread of the bird flu and to protect people in the event it does become a direct threat to their health. Many countries, including the United States, have banned poultry imports from countries affected by avian flu outbreaks.
While the bird flu may eventually be a serious health threat, there is currently no local threat, and no special measures are needed to safeguard people’s health. However, these general precautions will help prevent the spread of viruses and other contagious diseases:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, particularly after going to the bathroom, before preparing meals and eating, and after taking care of a sick person. Keep hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth.
- If flu-like symptoms appear, avoid self-medication with antibiotics; they are ineffective against flu viruses. However, if a physician has prescribed antibiotics for a specific illness, be sure to complete the entire course of medicine.
- If sick, staying at home and getting plenty of rest is the best thing for the patient and also for co-workers and loved ones who are trying to stay well.
- Avoid contact with people who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- Never eat raw or undercooked poultry products. When cooking, keep raw meat separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Use different cutting boards, knives or utensils for uncooked meats and other foods. Heat destroys flu viruses, so cook poultry until the temperature of the meat reaches at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use caution when traveling to countries where there has been a bird flu outbreak. Travelers should consult with their physicians and with agencies such as the CDC or/and the WHO for specific travel guidelines.
- Finally, consider getting a flu shot. Although media attention is focused on the avian flu, statistically, it is the common flu that poses more of an immediate health threat to people in this country. A flu shot is something that people can do for themselves today to protect their health.