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Pandemic Planning Team Intranet Site
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Pandemic Planning Resources
Personal and Family Care Guide (Word document)
Understanding Flu Terms:
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
For years, scientists have been studying avian influenza viruses that cause disease in humans. The H5N1 virus has been studied most since it has killed millions of poultry overseas and has caused disease in over 300 people that have had close contact with infected birds.
Although it has not frequently infected humans, very serious illness and death can occur when people become infected.
In the United States, no cases of H5N1 infection have been reported in either birds or humans. Although the H5N1 virus only rarely passes between humans, there are concerns that it might change into a form that is readily transmissible between humans and could then cause the next influenza pandemic.
Therefore, in preparation for a possible H5N1 outbreak in the United States, employees should be aware of how they can protect themselves if the occasion should arise. Poultry and laboratory employees, animal and food handlers, and healthca re workers would be among those particularly in danger should an H5N1 outbreak occur.
Here are some steps that can be taken by those in the above industries to reduce the risk:
Know the symptoms of avian influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, eye infections, pneumonia, and severe respiratory diseases;
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, for 15 to 20 seconds, preferably with soap and water;
When possible, avoid contact with sick poultry or surfaces soiled with discharges from their mouths or beaks, or with feces; and
Use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, shoe covers, and respiratory protection when handling sick poultry.
FMI: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html
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