Important information: Avian Flu, Bird Flu, H5N1 virus

Highlights:

• There is no influenza pandemic in the world at this time
• It is important to remember that H5N1 avian influenza is almost exclusively a disease of birds. The H5N1 virus has not yet appeared in the U.S..
• Should the H5N1 virus appear in the U.S., it does not mean the start of a pandemic
• An additional point to remember is that the next influenza pandemic could be substantially less severe than what occured in 1918. For example, the influenza pandmics of 1968/69 caused so much less illness and death than did the 1918/19 pandemic that many Americans at that time did not distinguish them from seasonal influenza and were unaware that a pandemic was underway.
• There are steps individuals, families and communities can take to prepare. You can keep a supply of food and medicines on hand in case you have to stay home, you can practice good public health measures like frequent hand washing and staying home when sick. There is good information available on www.pandemicflu.gov.
• While the H5N1 virus has not yet appeared in the US, and there is no influenza pandemic in the world at this time, it is important for all Americans to be informed about this potential public health threat and some of the steps individual Americans can take to protect themselves and their families in the event of a pandemic.

Common Questions

• In the event of a pandemic, will masks protect me? Surgical masks are recommended for health care workers who are subjected to repeated exposure to multiple patients. For health care workers performing certain medical procedures on infected patient N95 respirators are recommended. Surgical masks are also recommended for patients who are infected to help reduce the potential for spread of virus when these people cough or sneeze. HHS will continue to review and update as needed its public health guidance on the use of masks and respirators by healthcare workesr and by the general public.
• Can I get the virus through coughing, sneezing, handshakes, kissing, sharing drinks, etc.? Influeza virus is primarily spread by airborne droplets that reach the eyes, nose or mouth by can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's face. This highlights the importance of learning and practicing good personal hygiene, including:
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in a waste basket
  • Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue
  • Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, Use soap and water or an alchol-based hand cleaner
  • Stay at home if you are sick

Prevents influenza-related death.
Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu—most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any othervaccine-preventable disease.

Prevents severe illness.
In the U.S. influenza puts about 200,000 people in the hospital each year. Children younger than 2 years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older.

Protects other people.
You should get vaccinated if you live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Getting a fluvaccination yourself can help protect your family members, including seniors and young children.

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