Volume 14, Number 2: April 2006
Ask Dr. Nancy
Q: Bird flu is all over the news. Is there anything I should be doing, as an individual, about it?
A: You are wise to ask this question- to choose to be prepared- even though no avian (bird) flu has been found in the United States, in birds or in people. Now is the time to understand the risks and how best to protect you and your family.
Facts and Forecasts
Avian influenza virus H5N1 has mostly infected birds, both domestic and wild, not people. It is highly contagious and dangerous, which is why health organizations around the world are on alert for an influenza pandemic: geographically widespread sickness affecting large percentages of populations. The virus appeared first in Asia and is now in Europe and Africa.
As of this writing, H5N1 has killed more than 150 million birds. Only about 170 humans have contracted the influenza; 98 died. In most cases, people were infected by handling or killing poultry, not by contact with other people. Person-to-person infection has been very limited because the virus must first mutate. Human transfer has never gone beyond one person. However, H5N1 changes rapidly, and health experts take pandemic risk seriously.
No one can predict a pandemic's length and conditions.
Past outbreaks indicate several weeks' duration and major disruption to ordinary life. With great numbers of people sick or staying home, many services could be limited, overcrowded, or unavailable: schools, stores, gas stations, medical facilities, banks, airports, even government offices. Be smart about staying healthy and planning.
Health Protection.
First, to resist infection, make your body as strong as possible. You know what that means: eat a healthful diet; exercise (walking is fine); drink water plentifully and alcohol moderately (or not at all); get sufficient sleep.
To protect yourself from the virus, follow the steps HealthLine recommends for any flu or respiratory illness, and remember to teach your children.
Wash your hands often- always after contact with a sick person- with soap and water or a hand sanitizer. For how long? Some recommend singing the alphabet song while you wash. Do not touch your mouth, eyes, or nose. Make this a habit-and perhaps a game with young children. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, and throw it away. If you don't have a tissue, use your upper sleeve. Stop airborne droplets. Stay home if you're sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization, facemasks won't significantly affect infection spreading. Consider a disposable mask for ill people who are coughing and for caregivers. Also, a mask can help anyone avoid touching the face. For uninfected people, masks rated N95 are most effective.
While scientists have developed a vaccine against H5N1, it is still being tested; sufficient supplies are not assured. Remember: In a pandemic, you can't rely on usual medical care, even if drugs exist.
Preparedness Plan.
Prepare for an avian flu pandemic as you would for any emergency, like a hurricane. This isn't panic behavior; it's choosing to be safe. Gather supplies for an extended stay at home, and keep personal and medical information up to date and readily accessible. If no pandemic happens, you'll be prepared for any emergency involving power outages or restricted travel.
Basics for your home include water, canned and dry food, prescriptions, medical and first aid supplies, batteries, and hygiene products. (See web sites below to find helpful checklists.)
Another step is to stay informed. Do not rely on rumor. Monitor official broadcasts and web sites. Another good idea is to become involved in community preparation. You will know what is happening and be in communication with others. Find much more information at:
Official government web site: www.pandemicflu.gov or www.avianflu.gov
U.S. Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov and 800-CDC-INFO
Florida Department of Health: www.doh.state.fl.us