Avian or Bird Flu
|
Rami Rihani, Pharm.D.,Director of Pharmacy The entire world is facing a new challenge: how to help people prepare for a possible "super-flu" pandemic without causing them to panic. There have been three pandemics in the past century, and it's important to know exactly what it is. Three situations are needed for a pandemic to occur. The first is the emergence of an influenza virus that is very different from the usual flu strains that circulate every winter. This means that very few people will have any residual immunity against the virus. The second is the ability of that new influenza virus to replicate in humans. Third, the virus must be efficiently transmitted from person to person. All three must be present for a pandemic to occur. Avian influenza H5N1 (a type of bird flu) is an infection caused by influenza viruses in birds. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds; wild and migratory birds carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. Bird flu is, however, very contagious among birds, and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and even kill them. Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Although experts do not think an avian flu pandemic will strike this winter, it is still possible that the bird flu will at some point evolve so that it can start spreading among humans. To date, avian flu has been limited - only 112 human cases were reported between December of 2003 and August of 2005. All human cases of avian flu have occurred in Asia and the majority of people that were infected had a very recent history of close contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. It is important to note that there is very limited evidence that avian flu has spread from human to human and that a very small number of humans exposed to avian flu in poultry have actually contracted the virus. The symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, etc.) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe complications such as organ damage. The most likely scenario leading to a pandemic would involve someone infected with a human flu virus catching the bird flu at the same time. There is the potential for re-assortment of the two viruses into a virus that is easily transmittable between humans. The chances of human contact with avian flu grow as more birds are infected beyond Asia and into Europe. A flu shot will not protect you from avian flu at this time, but it is still a good idea to get a flu shot. By preventing infection with human influenza viruses, we can limit the potential for re-assortment. Currently, there is no vaccine available for avian flu. However scientists are working hard to develop an effective vaccine. There's no reason for you to have a personal stockpile of anti-flu drugs such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Symmetrel (amantadine) or to ask your doctor to prescribe them for you "just-in-case." Using these drugs unnecessarily is a waste of drugs, and money, and could promote development of resistant strains of influenza. Personal stockpiles of these drugs also limits the supply available to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for mobilization to an area hit by a pandemic to limit its spread. If there is a pandemic, you can be sure the WHO and the CDC in the United States will issue alerts, monitor flu infections and mobilize the needed drugs to pandemic areas. For now, the best you can do is stay informed and get your flu shot. And, just like in any flu season, the best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands frequently and by practicing good hygiene. Always cover coughs and sneezes so you don't spread the virus. Sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve and dispose of all tissues in the trash right away. If you use your hands, wash them right away. Always follow proper procedures for preparation of poultry, remembering to cook it thoroughly (to 180° F.) before eating.
References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/flu |
