As avian flu continues to make headlines around the world, many parents are worried about the threat of this illness to their families. But, should you be worried?
Dr. Bonnie M. Word, director of Texas Children’s Travel Medicine Clinic, a specialist with the hospital’s infectious disease service and an assistant professor in pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, offers information about avian flu and advice for travelers to help you better understand the disease and how to protect your family.
What is avian flu and should I worry about how it will affect my family?
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious illness caused by the H5N1 flu strain that is passed from bird to bird. Bird flu usually does not infect humans, but, in some reported cases, people who had direct contact with contaminated poultry have been infected.
Though parents should stay informed on the latest updates on avian flu, the greater concern should be about seasonal flu or influenza. Taking precautions, such as getting yourself and your children vaccinated, should be at the top of your list. In the 2003-2004 flu season, influenza killed thousands of people, including 152 children, across the United States. Learn more about seasonal flu
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How do you catch bird flu?
People have caught bird flu from touching infected poultry and from touching surfaces contaminated with poultry feces. There are no confirmed cases of bird flu being transmitted from person-person, but there are a few suspected cases. These happened only after prolonged face-to-face contact. If you pass someone on the street infected with bird flu, you will not “catch” it.
Can you get bird flu from eating chicken – or other poultry – and eggs?
No. You can’t get avian flu from eating poultry or eggs if the meat is fully cooked (usually at a temperature of 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit). Proper cooking kills flu viruses in poultry, meat and eggs.
Areas on which food is prepared should be cleaned thoroughly. The bird flu virus is able to survive on raw meat from infected poultry. Proper hygiene, including hand washing and disinfecting of all surfaces that come in contact with raw meat and egg products, is key to preventing spread of the disease.
How many human infections of avian influenza have there been?
According to the World Health Organization, 122 cases of humans infected with the H5N1 virus, or bird flu, have been confirmed since 2003. Of those cases, 62 people have died. Almost all human cases have been traced to close contact with infected poultry.
Which countries have been affected by avian flu?
The World Health Organization reports that from mid-December 2003 through early February 2004, poultry outbreaks caused by the H5N1 virus were reported in eight Asian nations including the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Indonesia and China.
In early August 2004, Malaysia reported its first outbreak of H5N1 in poultry, becoming the ninth Asian nation affected. Russia reported its first H5N1 outbreak in poultry in late July 2005, followed by reports of disease in adjacent parts of Kazakhstan in early August. Deaths of wild birds from highly pathogenic H5N1 were reported in both countries. Almost simultaneously, Mongolia reported the detection of H5N1 in dead migratory birds. In October 2005, H5N1 was confirmed in poultry in Turkey and Romania. Outbreaks in wild and domestic birds are under investigation elsewhere.
Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia have announced control of their poultry outbreaks and are now considered free of the disease. In the other affected areas, outbreaks are continuing with varying degrees of severity.
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Is there a vaccine or medications to prevent my family from getting bird flu?
No vaccine currently exists to protect people from avian flu. Research studies to test such a vaccine began in April 2005.
Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu® and Relenza, have proven effective to treat and prevent flu viruses, but the easiest way to prevent the spread of seasonal flu is to get vaccinated. A vaccine already exists for seasonal flu.
How can I protect my family from influenza?
Much of what you can do to protect yourself and your family from seasonal flu involves taking common-sense measures. Flu viruses are spread in water droplets in coughs and sneezes that travel through the air and are inhaled. Droplets that land on surfaces can be picked up by hands and may be rubbed into the eyes, nose and mouth causing infection. Washing your hands often with soap and warm water is the main way to prevent the spread of bird and seasonal influenza. To clean your hands and fingers thoroughly, scrub them while singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Teach your children to do the same.
Who should get the vaccine for seasonal flu?
While certain groups are at a greater risk for developing influenza and influenza related complications, all healthy adults and children over 6 months should be vaccinated against the flu in order to decrease their chances of getting the virus.
People with the following conditions are at greater risk for developing complications if they get the influenza:
- Asthma
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Immune system problems
- Kidney problems
- Pregnancy
Two other groups at risk for developing complications or requiring hospitalization if they get the flu are adults over 65 and children between 6 months and 23 months. People with other medical conditions also may be at risk for developing complications if they get influenza; if you are concerned that you or a family member fall into a high-risk group, contact your physician.
Since the flu virus changes a little each year, you must get vaccinated yearly to be protected. Learn more about the flu vaccine
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What precautions can I take when traveling?
Before traveling to any country outside the United States, be sure you and your family are current on all routine vaccinations, and visit your physician or a clinic such as Texas Children’s Travel Medicine Clinic to determine if you need any additional vaccinations or for information on medications you might need. This should be done one to two months prior to your travel date.
If your family’s travel plans take you to any country affected by avian flu, avoid direct and unprotected exposure to infected birds, including feathers, feces and undercooked egg and meat products. The World Health Organization also recommends that travelers avoid contact with live animal markets and poultry farms as well as any free-range or caged poultry. Large amounts of the virus are excreted from droppings from infected birds.
