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The Basics

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza is carried regularly in the intestines of wild birds. Birds immune to the H5N1 strain rarely get sick from the virus. But, since the virus is highly contagious, it often spreads to other birds (often domesticated), which then leads to severe illness and potentially death for infected birds.

Birds infected with avian influenza transmit the virus via their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. When in contact with excretions or contaminated surfaces, susceptible birds become infected and often transmit the virus to other birds.

Because of its recent media coverage, many assume that avian influenza is a newly discovered virus. In fact, the virus has existed since the early 1900s. Over time, the virus mutates and takes on new forms, and in 1997, the H5N1 strain was discovered. Since its discovery, more than 100 cases of avian influenza in humans have been reported. To date, transmission of the avian influenza to humans occurs in individuals who have direct prolonged contact with infected birds. Since the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has not yet mutated into a form that has a direct effect on humans, it is seldom transmitted from person-to-person.

Exposing Fact & Debunking Myth

Since the recent avian flu media blitz, many people are extremely concerned that a worldwide pandemic may occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three conditions must be met for an avian influenza pandemic to occur. First, a new influenza virus subtype must emerge. Then, it must infect humans and cause serious illness. Lastly, it must spread easily without interruption among humans. Presently, the third condition has not yet been met.

In an effort to ease worries, we offer the following facts about the flu while debunking the myths that have created such a stir among people worldwide.

MYTH: The H5N1 strain of avian influenza could trigger a worldwide pandemic in the near future.

FACT: Since humans are not immune to the virus, there is a possibility that an outbreak could occur.To avoid such an outbreak, scientists are currently researching the virus in its current stage. By researching the current H5N1 strain, scientists are working to develop a vaccine that may work against the current complications of avian influenza. But, if the H5N1 strain mutates into a strain that passes from human-to-human, than a new vaccine will have to be produced in order to meet the criteria of the newly developed virus.

MYTH: Avian influenza is an airborne virus that affects humans under normal circumstances.

FACT: Avian influenza is not a virus disease that can spread to humans living under normal circumstances. Reported incidents of avian influenza transmission have only been reported in cases where the individual is in direct contact with infected birds for prolonged periods of time.

MYTH: Avian influenza can be transmitted from human-to-human. FACT: Based on reports, humans have only acquired the avian flu from other humans in extremely rare cases in which the infected individual was in direct contact with another individual. However, scientists say that the virus has not yet developed the ability to pass easily from human to human on a regular basis.

MYTH: Influenza vaccine for the 2005-2006 year does not provide protection against avian influenza.

FACT: Influenza vaccine does not prevent an individual from contracting avian influenza, but it does prevent the risk of H5N1 strain mutation. If an individual is infected with the flu and comes in contact with avian influenza, the two different flu strains could possibly combine and form a new strain that could be transmitted from human-to-human.

MYTH: An individual can contract avian influenza by eating infected poultry. FACT: There is no evidence that avian influenza can be contracted by consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs. Since avian influenza is caused by a virus, it is destroyed by cooking chicken until it reaches its proper temperature of 180º F.

Primary Source Information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

World Health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/