Pandemic Flu - FAQs

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What is pandemic flu?

Pandemic flu happens when a new flu virus is introduced for which the population has little to no immunity. This allows the disease to spread easily and quickly and lead to serious illness. A flu pandemic can affect people across the nation and around the world within very little time.

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Will we have a pandemic in the near future?

It is widely believed that another flu pandemic may happen soon. Historically, there have been three different flu pandemics in the past century, in 1918-19, 1957-58 and 1968-69. It is impossible to predict the timing and seriousness of the next pandemic.

For a pandemic to occur, an illness must spread easily from person to person and with a high rate of infection. As for current concerns about the avian flu virus (H5N1), or bird flu, those are based on the thought that the virus will become something it is not currently-a disease that can be passed easily from person to person.

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Will bird flu (H5N1) cause the next pandemic?

Right now, H5N1 is still a bird disease. There have been very few cases observed in humans, and most of those came as a result of close contact with poultry that was infected. On the other hand, as H5N1 mutates, it could infect humans and be passed from person to person, which could then cause the next pandemic. That is precisely why we must take this threat very seriously and make sure we are prepared should it occur.

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What symptoms does a person with bird flu have?

The small number of people who have contracted the current bird flu virus have generally experienced symptoms very much like those that come with seasonal flu: fever, sore throat, cough and sore muscles. However, they tend to be more severe than with seasonal flu. H5N1 attacks the lungs more forcefully, which can lead to life-threatening complications, including respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and pneumonia.

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Is there a cure for bird flu?

There is no known cure for the flu in birds or people. However, antiviral drugs and our bodies' immune systems may help ease symptoms or preventing the spread of the disease.

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What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug meant to ease the symptoms of an ongoing case of the flu. It only works if people take it within 48 hours of the first sign of symptoms.

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Should I buy Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is not a vaccine and thus cannot prevent the flu, so it is not logical or necessary for you to buy it now for use in the future.

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If a pandemic occurs, will there be a vaccine?

It would take at least six months after a pandemic begins to make a vaccine available on a large scale. This estimate is based on current vaccine production capacity. However, the federal government is working hard to further the technology needed to develop vaccines and increase production capacity.

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If I get a flu shot every year, will that protect me from a pandemic?

An annual flu shot is only effective for a year and does not protect you from bird flu. However, it is still very important for most people to get a flu shot annually, since it can help to protect you from developing a serious secondary complication from the flu.

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How can I protect myself from bird flu?

If the bird flu were to change into a form that can be passed between humans, the same rules would apply here as with all respiratory illnesses, such as seasonal flu and the common cold. Be sure to always practice good hand hygiene: wash your hands often and well. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and if you are sick, stay home to protect others.

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Could I catch bird flu from a wild bird?

State and federal wildlife agencies have no cases on record of wild birds directly passing the H5N1 virus to humans. Currently, the only recorded occurrences of humans catching H5N1 are from close contact with infected poultry. However, it is not known for sure whether humans can contract bird flu from wild birds.

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Could I catch bird flu by eating poultry?

As long as poultry is handled and cooked properly, you are not at risk by eating poultry. It is also very unlikely that infected poultry could enter the food industry in the U.S., since the U.S. does not import raw poultry products from countries known to have bird flu. Always cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as this kills the bird flu virus and other germs. Always wash your hands and other surfaces before and after preparing food, and never use the same utensils to handle raw meat and other foods.

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Could my pets get bird flu?

Animals are not usually at risk of contracting influenza type-A infections, but some domestic cats in Europe and non-domestic cats, such as tigers and leopards, in zoos have become infected after eating raw infected meat. There is no evidence to show that humans can contract the disease from pets.

If you own pets, remember that it is very unlikely that they would contract H5N1 from a wild bird, and even more unlikely that the virus would spread from your pets to you. You should never abandon cats, dogs or other pets because you are worried about bird flu.

To be safe, limit your interactions with wild animals: keep domestic cats indoors, walk your dogs on a leash and prevent them from eating dead wild birds. If you think your ill pet appears to have a respiratory illness and may have come in contact with a sick or dead bird, take it to a veterinarian.

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What animals can get bird flu?

Currently, we know that humans, birds, ferrets, tigers, leopards and domestic cats can be infected with bird flu. However, flu viruses are always evolving, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is continuously working to monitor the situation and provide additional information if necessary.

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I live in a rural area and have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them?

Yes. At this time, you have no reason to worry. However, you should always practice good habits by controlling access to your property, disinfecting your shoes, clothes and hands and reporting sick, dead or suspicious birds.

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If I hunt, should I be concerned about bird flu?

There is no reason to believe at this time that wild birds hunted in the U.S. are infected with bird flu. However, you should always practice good hand hygiene habits when cleaning or touching any wild game. Wear gloves, and disinfect your hands afterwards using hand sanitizer or soap and water.