Avian Flu and Pandemic Flu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Avian Flu?
What is Pandemic Flu?
What is seasonal flu?
Will a flu shot help?
Can Pandemic Flu be prevented?
How can I stay healthy?
How can I prepare for a pandemic?
Am I safe near pet birds?
Are my cat and dog safe?
How are Anoka County health officials preparing for a pandemic?
What is Avian Flu?
Avian (bird) flu is an infection caused by Avian (bird) Influenza
(flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. The
Avian Flu virus has not yet been proven to spread from human to human.
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What is Pandemic Flu?
Currently there is no pandemic flu in the world. A flu pandemic is
a global outbreak of disease that occurs when three conditions are
met:
- a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human
population
- it causes serious illness in people
- it spreads easily from person to person worldwide
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What is seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu (often called “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory
illness caused by flu viruses. It occurs every year. It can cause mild
to severe illness. The best protection against seasonal flu is
vaccination (yearly flu shot).
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Will a flu shot help?
Flu shots protect you against ordinary, seasonal flu. It will not
protect you against Avian Flu.
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Can Pandemic Flu be
prevented?
At this time, there is no vaccine to protect humans against a
pandemic influenza virus because the pandemic virus has not yet fully
developed. However, according to the U. S. Department of Health and
Human Services, vaccine development efforts are underway to protect
humans against a pandemic influenza virus that might develop from the
current bird flu virus in Asia. To slow the spread of a severe
influenza outbreak, communities could temporarily close schools,
sports arenas, theaters, restaurants, bars and other public gathering
places and facilities.
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How can I stay healthy?
Follow the same guidelines for preventing the spread of any
illness.
- Cover your mouth by coughing into your elbow or using a tissue
when you cough
- Wash your hands often
- Work to improve your general health
- Stay home when you are ill
- Get your annual flu shot
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How can I prepare for a
pandemic?
Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your
efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a
checklist. It identifies important, specific activities you can do now
to prepare. Many are specific to pandemic influenza, but a number also
pertain to any public health emergency. To see the checklist go to Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families, www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html
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Am I safe near pet birds?
The likelihood of getting a pet bird that is already infected with
avian flu is very low. If you already own a pet bird, keep it inside
to avoid exposure to wild or migratory birds that may carry the flu.
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Are my cat and dog safe?
There is no evidence that bird flu is a risk to dogs. There is
evidence from the Asian outbreak that the bird flu virus might affect
cats fed raw poultry, but there is currently no cause for concern
because the virus is not present in the United States.
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Are Anoka County health officials preparing for a pandemic?
Anoka County is working within our community and regionally with
other local public health agencies as well as with the Minnesota
Department of Health under the direction of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to plan and
prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. If you have questions about
Avian Flu or Pandemic Flu, contact Anoka County Community Health &
Environmental Services, the Disease Prevention and Control Section at
763-422-6965.
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