Avian Influenza Key Messages

Pandemic Influenza Key Messages

1. We have not seen highly pathogenic (disease causing) H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in the US yet, but it possibly will appear here in wild birds within a year. That appearance will not signal the beginning of a human influenza pandemic. We have seen low pathogenic bird flu virus infections in birds in the U.S., but these infections do not present a threat to people.

2.  The H5N1 strain of Avian influenza is primarily a disease of certain types of birds, and domestic poultry can be infected. In its current form, this strain does not easily pass from wild or domestic birds to humans. On rare occasions, a persons infected with H5N1 has transmitted the virus to another person. The risk of persons in the U.S. acquiring H5N1 infection is very low.

3.  Human cases of H5N1 bird flu are almost entirely among people who have had very close contact with infected poultry. Of the millions who have been exposed to infected birds, only about 200 have become ill with Avian influenza.

4.  The bird flu has, on very rare occasions, been spread from migratory birds to humans, but the risk of this occurring is very small.

5.  Like certain other bird flu viruses, the H5N1 virus could mutate, changing to a form that is easily spread from human to human.  Because it would be a virus to which no human has been exposed, there would be no immunity against the virus. A major pandemic could result and potentially sicken and kill millions of people. Therefore it is prudent for all people in all countries to make plans for what they would do should a pandemic come about.

1. There is no pandemic influenza anywhere in the world now, and it is unknown when the next pandemic might occur – it could be relatively soon, or it might not happen for many years. (Note that avian influenza, or bird flu, caused by the H5N1 avian influenza virus, is not pandemic influenza. See avian flu messages.)

2.  If an influenza pandemic were to occur, it is unknown how severe it would be.  Past pandemics have varied in severity.

3.  Large-scale planning and preparation for a future influenza pandemic are currently underway. This involves federal, state, and local public health officials, as well as other government agencies and multiple areas of the private sector.

4.  If an influenza pandemic begins, no vaccine will be available for about six months. Also, when vaccine is available, supplies will be limited, and it will initially be provided to certain groups (e.g., health-care workers, persons at highest risk of serious illness, persons with critical jobs).

5.  Even though there is currently no pandemic influenza anywhere in the world, people should always take the following steps to limit the spread of a variety of diseases:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, your upper sleeve, or other barrier.
• Put used tissues in a wastebasket.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Make sure that your family's immunizations are up-to-date.