What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is a geographically widespread epidemic that occurs throughout a region or even throughout the world. A pandemic flu has not been present in the United States since 1968. However, pandemic flu has occurred across the globe throughout history, and typically occurs every 30 -40 years. In the last century, flu pandemics have occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968, with the most serious flu occurring in 1918. There is NOT currently a pandemic flu occurring anywhere in the world.
What is Bird Flu?
Avian (bird ) flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally among birds. There are different subtypes of these viruses because of changes in certain proteins (hemagglutinin [HA ] and neuraminidase [NA ] ) on the surface of the influenza A virus and the way the proteins combine.
Each combination represents a different subtype. All known subtypes of influenza A viruses can be found in birds. The avian flu currently of concern is the H5N1 subtype.
Some health officials are currently concerned that H5N1, a bird flu discovered in Asian countries in 2003, could evolve into a flu that is easily transmitted from birds to humans and eventually from humans to humans, becoming a flu that causes serious human illness.
What is being done?
The United States has been working closely with other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO ) to strengthen systems to detect outbreaks of influenza that might cause a pandemic.
The effects of a pandemic can be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time. Planning and preparation information and checklists are being prepared for various sectors of society, including information for individuals and families.
The Colorado State University Emergency Management Team is also developing a pandemic flu plan for the institution. The Emergency Management Team will assist departments and units throughout campus in developing specific preparedness plans. It will also conduct educational sessions to inform individuals on campus about pandemic flu and how to prepare.
How do I avoid getting sick?
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting sick.
- Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. - Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. - Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. - Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
These techniques are general guidelines that you can use all the time to help prevent the spread of illness. Here are some specific tips related to potentially infected birds.
- The people who have become sick from bird flu live in countries where there
have been large numbers of infected birds, and the people were in close contact
with diseased birds. - Avoid sick or dead birds, birds' blood, and bird droppings.
- Wear gloves to handle a wild bird, even if it does not appear sick.
- Call the Colorado HELP Health Hot -line at 1 -877 -462 -2911 if you
find sick or dead birds.