Avian flu Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about avian flu
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What countries are affected by bird flu?
- How do I know if a bird is infected with bird flu?
- Why can't a vaccine be developed now against the H5N1 virus?
- How will I get antivirals if a flu pandemic begins?
What countries are affected by bird flu?
At present, most of the countries that are affected are in South-East Asia. Check with the Foreign Office before you travel to see if there is an outbreak in a specific country.
Explanation
The list of countries reported as having outbreaks of bird flu is continually changing, as new outbreaks occur in some countries, and others manage to control their outbreaks and are declared free of the virus. You should check the Foreign Office website (see further information) for specific country advice before you travel. The World Health Organisation (WHO) website also displays a map of the areas that have reported outbreaks.
At the time of writing, however (September 2008), the countries that have current outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu are mainly in South-East Asia, such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
At present, the risk to humans is so low that there is no need to avoid travelling to these countries. However, you should follow the standard advice if you're going to an affected country:
- avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
- avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal faeces
- don't eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
- don't attempt to bring any live poultry products back to the UK
- don't pick up or touch dead or dying birds
- carry out good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing
Further information
- British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
www.fco.gov.uk - National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org - World Health Organisation
www.who.int
Sources
- Algorithm for the management of returning travellers and visitors from countries affected by avian influenza (H5N1) presenting with febrile respiratory illness: recognition, investigation and initial management. Health Protection Agency, last updated 28 August 2008. www.hpa.org.uk
- Avian influenza - advice for travellers to affected areas. National Travel Health Network and Centre. www.nathnac.org, accessed 8 September 2008
How do I know if a bird is infected with bird flu?
This depends on the type of bird affected. Many wild birds can carry the bird flu virus without any signs of harm, whereas in poultry, it can cause severe disease and rapid death.
Explanation
In poultry (eg chickens), the virus can cause two different types of bird flu. One type causes only mild symptoms, such as ruffled feathers and reduced production of eggs - you may not even notice if a bird has this form of the virus.
The more severe type of bird flu is much less common, but highly contagious. It comes on very suddenly and can rapidly lead to the death of the bird. Signs that a bird may have this virus include:
- swelling of the bird's head
- blue discolouration of its comb and wattles (neck and throat area)
- trouble breathing
- diarrhoea
If you come across a dead bird in the UK, it's unlikely to have died from bird flu. However, birds can carry several diseases that may be infectious to people so you should avoid touching it, or wear disposable gloves (or use a plastic bag) if you need to remove it.
However, if you come across a dead gull, wader, duck, goose or swan, or a group of ten or more dead birds of any species, you should call the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
Further information
- Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Helpline: 08459 33 55 77
www.defra.gov.uk
Sources
- Avian influenza ("bird flu") fact sheet. World Health Organisation. www.who.int, accessed 8 September 2008
- Disease factsheet: avian influenza. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). www.defra.gov.uk, accessed 9 September 2008
- Avian influenza (bird flu): wild birds. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). www.defra.gov.uk, accessed 9 September 2008
Why can't a vaccine be developed now against the H5N1 virus?
If and when pandemic flu breaks out, it's unlikely to be caused by the same strain of virus that is currently causing outbreaks of bird flu. Scientists won't be able to produce a vaccine until a pandemic starts and the virus has been identified.
Explanation
Vaccines are usually made from a killed or weakened form of a virus, or sometimes from pieces of the live virus that can stimulate an immune response. Scientists must have the exact strain of virus before they can create the vaccine.
The strains of bird flu virus that currently exist won't cause a pandemic - they would have to mutate (change) first so that they could be easily spread between people. It's impossible to predict in advance whether a new virus is one that may be able to cause a pandemic.
It's therefore impossible to produce a vaccine until a pandemic has already begun, and scientists are able to identify the virus responsible.
A specific vaccine will take at least four to six months to produce after a pandemic has emerged. In the UK, pharmaceutical companies have been signed up to start work on this as soon as a pandemic starts.
Sources
- Pandemic flu - frequently asked questions. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 9 September 2008
How will I get antivirals if a flu pandemic begins?
There are plans for a helpline to be set up, and you will be able to phone to get advice and authorisation for treatment.
Explanation
Antivirals can currently only be prescribed by a doctor. However, the UK government is working on legislation and guidelines to ensure that during a pandemic, people who become ill will be able to get easier access to antivirals. This will ensure that GPs won't become overburdened. It's planned that in the event of a pandemic, members of the public will be able to phone a special helpline to be assessed and get authorisation for treatment over the phone.
Currently, the UK government has enough antiviral medicine to treat a quarter of the population, and it plans to increase these stocks to cover half the population. This should be enough to cover all people who may be affected in the 'worst case scenario'.
Sources
- Pandemic flu - frequently asked questions. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 9 September 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Avian flu factsheet
Visit the avian flu health factsheet for more information.
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