Bird flu (avian influenza)

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Bird flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration has approved one vaccine to prevent infection with one strain of H5N1 bird flu virus. This vaccine isn't available to the public, but the U.S. government is stockpiling it and will distribute it in the event of an outbreak. It's intended to help protect adults ages 18 to 64 and could be used early in such an outbreak to provide limited protection until another vaccine — designed to protect against the specific form of the virus causing the outbreak — is developed and produced.

Researchers continue to work on other types of bird flu vaccines. One of the stumbling blocks is that most vaccines need chicken eggs for their development and production. Bird flu viruses are lethal to chicken eggs.

Recommendations for travelers
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia or to any region with bird flu outbreaks, consider these public health recommendations:

  • Avoid domesticated birds. If possible, avoid rural areas, small farms and open-air markets.
  • Wash your hands. This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. When you're traveling, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol are an excellent choice. They are effective, easy to use, don't require water and they're safe for children.
  • Ask about a flu shot. Before traveling, ask your doctor about a flu shot. It won't protect you specifically from bird flu, but it may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with bird and human flu viruses.

Poultry and egg products
Because heat destroys avian viruses, WHO officials don't consider cooked poultry a health threat. Even so, it's best to take precautions when handling and preparing poultry, which is often contaminated with salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

  • Avoid cross-contamination. Carefully wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry in hot, soapy water.
  • Cook thoroughly. Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
  • Steer clear of raw eggs. Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings, avoid mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, ice cream, and any other foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.
Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Key facts about avian influenza (bird flu) and avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  2. Areas with confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza since 2003. World Health Organization. http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_H5N1inHumanCUMULATIVE_FIMS_20090506.png. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  3. Beigel JH. Influenza. Critical Care Medicine. 2008;36:2660.
  4. Influenza, Avian. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/160112679-3/888248314/2088/347.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00018-6--s1115_7157. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  5. Stephenson I. Epidemiology, transmission and pathogenesis of avian influenza. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  6. Stephenson I. Avian influenza vaccines. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  7. Stephenson I. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of avian influenza. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  8. What consumers need to know about avian influenza. FDA. http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm085550.htm. Accessed Sept. 16, 2009.
  9. Flu (Influenza): What's the difference between seasonal flu, pandemic flu and avian (bird) flu? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/DefinitionsOverview.htm. Accessed Sept. 16, 2009.
  10. FDA clears rapid test for avian influenza A virus in humans. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm149557.htm. Accessed Sept. 17, 2009.
  11. Stephenson I. Treatment and prevention of avian influenza. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2009.
  12. Avian influenza (bird flu). World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/print.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2009.
  13. H5N1 influenza virus vaccine questions and answers. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm080753.htm. Accessed Sept. 17, 2009.

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Nov. 7, 2009

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