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Pandemic flu, influenza and H5N1 (avian) flu FAQ
1. What is a flu pandemic?
An influenza pandemic occurs with the appearance of a new influenza virus subtype against which the global population has no immunity. This may result in several, simultaneous epidemics worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. The increase in global transport and communications, as well as urbanization and high population density, further increase the risk of rapid global spread of a pandemic owing to a novel influenza virus. Such pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968, and there is general agreement that it is just a matter of time before the next one appears.
2. What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is caused by one of the family of influenza viruses. There are many types of animal and human flu viruses. Ordinary human flu viruses affect millions of people each year. This influenza is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract, which affects people of all ages. In many cases, flu is short-lived and can resolve on its own. However, in the very young, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases, influenza can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. Influenza kills 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide each year.
3. How is influenza spread?
Human influenza is easily passed from person to person through the air by tiny droplets that are released when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Influenza can also be picked up on the hands from virus on surfaces and reach oral or nasal mucosa.
4. What are the symptoms of influenza?
The typical symptoms of ordinary influenza include fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestions, body aches, extreme tiredness, and headache. Most people recover completely within a week or two.
In higher risk populations, complications from influenza may appear. Some of the complications of influenza include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.
5. What is bird flu?
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called “low pathogenic” form commonly causes only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.
6. What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
They can include typical flu-like symptoms, like fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, as well as eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory illness.
7. How do people become infected with bird flu?
Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their faeces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play.
8. Does the avian virus spread easily from birds to humans?
No. The number of human cases that occurred in the most recent outbreak was compared with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure, especially in areas where backyard flocks are common.
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