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A Bird Flu Pandemic
Frequently asked questions:
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A Bird Flu Pandemic....
.....the information you need to know.... and more!
What is an influenza pandemic?
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreading around the world and infecting many people in a very short time.
An influenza virus capable of causing a pandemic is one that people have no natural immunity to and can easily spread from person to person. It may cause severe disease. An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It could happen at any time of the year, not just winter.
Influenza (the flu) is a very infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave you ill for up to 10 days. There are many types of influenza virus, some of which infect birds. These are Avian or Bird Flu viruses.
Very rarely, an Avian influenza virus can also infect people. The current Avian influenza virus – H5N1 – has infected some people who have caught it from having close contact with infected birds.
A number of countries in Asia andsouth-eastern Europe are experiencing outbreaks of Avian flu (bird flu), affecting mainly poultry (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys).
The virus responsible for the current outbreak is H5N1 - a type of influenza not normally associated with human disease.
The World Health Organization is worried that a Bird Flu virus and a human flu virus might mix. This could result in a new strain of influenza virus that can be easily passed from person to person. The new flu virus could spread rapidly around the world, infecting many people. This would be an influenza pandemic.
An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It would not necessarily be a winter illness.
How likely is an influenza pandemic?
It is certain an influenza pandemic will happen one day. The H5N1 Bird Flu virus that is found in some countries could become a pandemic influenza virus at any time.
How often do Flu pandemics occur?
There were three flu pandemics last century, in 1918, 1956-57 and 1968.
What caused the last flu Pandemics?
All three pandemics last century were caused by different types of Bird Flu viruses.
What is being done to prepare for a Bird Flu pandemic?
Many countries have been planning for this for some time. Many National Health Organisations have a national pandemic plan, and Local Health Authorities have local plans.
Following the advice of the World Health Organization, an increasing number of countries are now beginning to stockpile anti-viral medicines to help reduce the impact of any future pandemic.
What could happen in an Bird Flu pandemic?
A Bird Flu pandemic could mean so many people are sick that it will affect workplaces, schools, hospitals and many other services. Airports could be closed and international travel restricted. The import of various meat and other products may be stopped. There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels that there is an influenza pandemic.
Some workplaces and schools may close. Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks. You may be asked to care for yourself and others at home.
Bird Flu Pandemic News & Links
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Up-to-the-minute Bird Flu Pandemic News
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For more information and the latest news on the spread of Bird Flu around the world, see the World Health Organization website
For a list of all affected countries see theWorld Organisation for Animal Health website.
For a variety of other up-to-date information on the topic of Avian Fly visit the website of the Centres for Disese Control and Prevention
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