HIGHLANDS COUNTY DIVISION OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 6850 West George
Blvd. Sebring, FL 33875 863-385-1112
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AVIAN (BIRD)
FLU GUIDELINES
Avian
(bird) flu is an influenza type A virus normally found
in wild birds, and does not normally make them sick. When the virus infects domestic poultry, the
disease and death rates are very high.
There are several different types of viruses in birds, but the current
major concern is the H5N1 strain. This
virus does not normally infect humans, but there have been 115 cases confirmed
by the World Health Organization as of September 22, 2005, of which 59 have
resulted in death. There have been no
confirmed cases of human to human transmission. All cases have been the result
of infected poultry to human contact.
The fear is that an existing virus will mutate and become infectious
between humans. If this occurs, there
will be no one with immunity. There is
currently no vaccine to protect humans against this flu.
Steps
you can take to be prepared for the potential influenza pandemic are:
1. Get an annual flu shot
for yourself and your family to reduce the chance of influenza infection.
2. Understand how viruses
are transmitted and practice prevention techniques at home and at work (see
links on this webpage).
3. Identify the groups in
your community that are at risk for influenza as designated by the Center for
Disease Control (see links on this webpage).
4. Practice good hand
washing and cough hygiene at all times.
5. Maintain and use all
protective equipment and supplies when appropriate.
6. Keep abreast of changes
locally, regionally, and worldwide.
7. Be an ambassador for
influenza health and information to your family and friends.
8. Have a plan for your
family if a pandemic flu occurs (see links on this webpage)
Typical
influenza symptoms include:
1. Fever, cough, sore
throats
2. Muscle aches
3. General malaise
4. Upper respiratory
infection
Signs
and symptoms of Avian (bird) flu include typical flu symptoms and:
1. Eye infections
2. Pneumonia
3. Severe respiratory
complications
4. Life threatening
complications