Dear Dr. Deena,
I keep hearing about the Bird Flu in China. What is this? How can I prevent this?
AJ
Thank you for a great question AJ! Avian influenza also known as the "bird flu" is caused by a virus called Avian Influenza A. Most avian influenza viruses only effect birds; however, there are some rare forms which can infect both humans and birds.
There are several subtypes of avian influenza infection that have been reported to effect humans since 1997. None of these cases have been reported in the USA, and have mainly been found in Asia and Africa.
In April 2013 the World Health Organization reported 3 human infections with a new avian influenza A virus known as H7N9 in China. Since this time more cases of H7N9 infections have been reported, and all have been isolated to China.
Most of the cases of the bird flu in humans have resulted from human contact with infected poultry (specifically domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with the secretions (saliva, mucous, tears), feathers, or excretions (feces) from infected birds.
The most important thing to know is that there has been NO sustained person-to-person spread of the H7N9 virus detected at this time. Ongoing (sustained) person-to-person spread is necessary for an epidemic to occur, and currently we are not at the risk for this.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome), and even death.
The best way to prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses is to avoid sources of exposure. Most human infections with avian influenza A viruses have occurred following direct or close contact with infected poultry.
If you are traveling to Southeast Asia consider avoiding places where domesticated birds might be present, i.e. farms, rural areas, open markets. I would recommend wearing a mask throughout Southeast Asia (since all birds that you come in contact with have the potential of being infected) and make sure to wash your hands throughout the day (especially after handling poultry, meats, or touching public surfaces).
According to the Food and Drug Administration, bird flu cannot be transmitted by eating properly cooked poultry meat or eggs from infected birds. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm.
Seasonal influenza vaccination will not prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses, but can reduce the risk of co-infection with human and avian influenza A viruses. There is currently no vaccination for H7N9, but researchers are currently working towards one.
I hope this information was helpful! Let's continue to hope for the best as China struggles to find the right answers.
Please continue to email me your questions at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER**
I keep hearing about the Bird Flu in China. What is this? How can I prevent this?
AJ
Thank you for a great question AJ! Avian influenza also known as the "bird flu" is caused by a virus called Avian Influenza A. Most avian influenza viruses only effect birds; however, there are some rare forms which can infect both humans and birds.
There are several subtypes of avian influenza infection that have been reported to effect humans since 1997. None of these cases have been reported in the USA, and have mainly been found in Asia and Africa.
In April 2013 the World Health Organization reported 3 human infections with a new avian influenza A virus known as H7N9 in China. Since this time more cases of H7N9 infections have been reported, and all have been isolated to China.
Most of the cases of the bird flu in humans have resulted from human contact with infected poultry (specifically domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with the secretions (saliva, mucous, tears), feathers, or excretions (feces) from infected birds.
The most important thing to know is that there has been NO sustained person-to-person spread of the H7N9 virus detected at this time. Ongoing (sustained) person-to-person spread is necessary for an epidemic to occur, and currently we are not at the risk for this.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome), and even death.
The best way to prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses is to avoid sources of exposure. Most human infections with avian influenza A viruses have occurred following direct or close contact with infected poultry.
If you are traveling to Southeast Asia consider avoiding places where domesticated birds might be present, i.e. farms, rural areas, open markets. I would recommend wearing a mask throughout Southeast Asia (since all birds that you come in contact with have the potential of being infected) and make sure to wash your hands throughout the day (especially after handling poultry, meats, or touching public surfaces).
According to the Food and Drug Administration, bird flu cannot be transmitted by eating properly cooked poultry meat or eggs from infected birds. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm.
Seasonal influenza vaccination will not prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses, but can reduce the risk of co-infection with human and avian influenza A viruses. There is currently no vaccination for H7N9, but researchers are currently working towards one.
I hope this information was helpful! Let's continue to hope for the best as China struggles to find the right answers.
Please continue to email me your questions at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER**
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