What is the risk to humans from bird flu?
Avian Flu Frequently Asked QuestionsThe risk from bird flu is generally low to most people because the viruses occur mainly among birds and do not usually infect humans. However, during an outbreak of bird flu among poultry (domesticated chicken, ducks, turkeys), there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with excretions from infected birds.
Related QuestionsWhy does the current bird flu outbreak pose a risk for becoming a pandemic flu outbreak in humans?
NAVNew human flu viruses can arise from bird flu viruses that then change to a form that can infect humans and spread readily from person to person. Current bird flu outbreaks in Asia, Europe and Africa are caused by a type of flu virus called "H5N1." Human infections and deaths due to the H5N1 virus have occurred, although the virus has at this time not developed the ability to pass easily from person to person and cause outbreaks in humans.
Related QuestionsHow is bird flu in humans treated?
Avian Flu Frequently Asked QuestionsStudies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human flu viruses should work in preventing bird flu infection in humans. However, flu viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of these medicines
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of the bird flu in humans?
City of Austin - Pandemic Influenza PlanningSymptoms of bird flu reported in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), viral pneumonia and other severe and life-threatening complications. Only if you have recently returned from travel to an area where bird flu is present. Depending on your symptoms, dates of travel, and activities, additional testing might be recommended.
Related QuestionsHow is bird flu spread to humans?
FAQ's - AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) AND AVIAN INFLUENZA A H5N...The bird flu virus is found in the saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of an infected bird. People need to have close contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with their excretions to get bird flu. There is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission of the virus at this time.
Related QuestionsWho is most at risk to contract bird flu?
FAQ's - AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) AND AVIAN INFLUENZA A H5N...The elderly, the very young, and those with compromised immune systems have the greatest risks of contracting bird flu. Proximity to the virus in infected birds is necessary as well. The risk from bird flu is generally low for most people because the virus occurs mainly among birds and does not usually infect humans.
Related QuestionsHow does the bird flu become contagious to humans?
IA DNR: Avian Flu FAQThe avian influenza virus must change. The virus can change to become more contagious among humans in two ways. The first is a "reassortment" event, in which genetic material is exchanged between human and avian viruses during co-infection of a human or pig. Reassortment could result in a fully contagious pandemic virus.
Related QuestionsShould we worry about avian (bird) flu, is it dangerous to humans and can we control it?
Surrey Alert Public Info -Currently, the government is monitoring the situation. A number of control measures will be immediately implemented in the event of the disease being suspected in flocks of poultry or tamed birds. Detailed information and advice can be found on the Surrey County Council Trading Standards web pages and on the following websites: Department of Health, Health Protection Agency, DEFRA, NHS Direct and the National Farmers Union (NFU)
Related QuestionsHow do humans get avian (bird) flu?
PHILA.GOV | Philadelphia Emergency Preparedness and ResponseHumans can get avian flu from direct contact with infected birds or objects contaminated by the infected bird's feces (droppings). The most likely way to catch the avian flu is during killing, defeathering, and preparing infected poultry for cooking.
Related QuestionsIs the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu a risk to humans?
FAQ | Avian Flu | Ducks Unlimited CanadaTo date, the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus has resulted in the deaths of millions of domestic birds. Despite the millions of people who have had close contact with domestic fowl during the past 10 years in Asia, just over 325 people have been infected worldwide. This is an extremely low rate of infection. However, human health officials are concerned with the greater than 50 percent mortality rate of people that have been infected.
Related QuestionsWho is at risk of getting bird flu?
web_block_rightIn the affected countries, people who work in the poultry farms are at risk. Those who are selling birds and eggs are also at risk of getting the disease. Staff members who visit the affected country to investigate the epidemic can come in contact with the droppings of birds during their field visits and are therefore at greater risk of getting the disease. People who work in the laboratory who handle the infected material are also at risk.
Related QuestionsDO BIRD FLU VIRUSES INFECT HUMANS?
Winnebago County Health Department - FAQ'sBird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997.
Related QuestionsWhat Are The Symptoms In Humans and Treatment Options For Bird Flu?
Avian Influenza - Bird Flu FAQA person infected by bird flu may have all symptoms of common flu like fever, persistent cough, sore throat and body ache. Moreover, there is a high risk of complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, eye and ear infections and severe breathing problems. The most effective drugs known for seasonal flu are Oseltamivir (commercial name Tamiflu) and Zanamavir (Commercial name Relenza).
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of avian (bird) flu in humans?
PHILA.GOV | Philadelphia Emergency Preparedness and ResponseSymptoms of avian (bird) flu have ranged from flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, breathing problems, and other life-threatening ailments.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions - ADB.orgIn those outbreak, patients developed symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough and, in several of the fatal cases, severe respiratory distress secondary to viral pneumonia. Previously healthy adults and children, and some with chronic medical conditions, were affected.Related Questions
Can humans get bird flu now?
Avian Influenza "Bird Flu" Frequently Asked Questi...Unfortunately, yes. About 200 people, most of them in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, or China, have developed a human form of the disease, typically from direct contact with infected birds among the poultry flocks that live and roam freely in rural villages.
Related QuestionsWhat is "Bird Flu"?
IA DNR: Avian Flu FAQBird Flu" or Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can classified as either low pathogenic (low mortality) or high pathogenic (up to 100% mortality). Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza like the common flu in humans is a common annual event in birds. High Pathogenic Avian Influenza like the H5N1 virus circulating in Asia, Europe, and Africa is less common.
Related QuestionsAvian Flu Awareness: Case Western Reserve UniversityAvian influenza, or bird flu, is a virus that is highly contagious among wild birds and often fatal to domesticated birds and poultry. There are several strains of bird flu that affect birds, but the one causing the most concern is the H5N1 subtype, which is highly lethal to domesticated birds. The H5N1 strain was first detected in humans in 1997 and has killed 67 people in Southeast Asia since 2003.Related Questions
City of Austin - Pandemic Influenza PlanningAvian influenza occurs naturally among birds. The viruses usually don't infect humans. However, in 1997, a deadly strain of bird flu known as H5N1 appeared among humans in Hong Kong. Eighteen people were hospitalized and six people died. All of them had had close contact with poultry. H5N1 resurfaced in Hong Kong in 2003, killing one person. Since then cases of human infection with the bird flu virus have been reported in a number of countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.Related Questions
Avian Bird Flu Pandemic - Frequently Asked QuestionsBird ? or avian ? flu is caused by a virus that usually infects birds (particularly poultry) but occasionally crosses the species barrier and infects humans ? recently predominantly in the Far East, although it also happens elsewhere. Until recently, avian flu was thought to affect people rarely and usually cause only mild disease such as conjunctivitis. Since 1997, however, one strain of bird flu ? H5N1 ? has been associated with a very high death rate when people have been affected.Related Questions
Can humans catch bird flu, and are the effects fatal for humans?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)Yes, bird flu can infect humans and the disease can be fatal. Keep in mind that at this stage the disease remains a rare event.
Related QuestionsIs the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu a risk to humans?
Bird Flu: Frequently Asked QuestionsTo date, the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus has resulted in the deaths of millions of domestic birds. Despite the millions of people who have had close contact with domestic fowl during the past nine years in Asia, more than 320 people have been infected worldwide. This is an extremely low rate of infection. However, human health officials are concerned with the 61 percent mortality rate of people that have been infected.
Related QuestionsHow can I reduce my risk of getting seasonal flu, bird flu or pandemic flu?
APHAThe best way to protect yourself from the common flu that goes around each year is to get a flu shot. However, there is currently no flu shot for avian or pandemic flu. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu, regardless of whether it’s avian, pandemic or seasonal: Wash your hands often, long enough and with warm water and soap. Wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” all the way through twice (about 20 seconds).
Related QuestionsWhat is the risk to people in the United States from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia and Europe?
Avian Flu Frequently Asked QuestionsThe current risk to Americans from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia is low. The strain of H5N1 virus found in Asia and Europe has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from affected countries in Asia could be infected if they were exposed to the virus. Since February 2004, medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to find any such cases.
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