Protect Yourself from H5N1 (Bird Flu)

H5N1, or avian influenza type A (bird flu), is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily infects birds and has occasionally spread to humans and other mammals. The CDC considers the current public health risk to the general public to be low, but those with direct exposure to infected animals face higher risk. 

What to do if you feel sick 

Observe your health daily, even if you followed all instructions for personal protective  equipment. Watch for symptoms of illness: 

• Eye redness (conjunctivitis) 

• Mild flu-like upper respiratory  symptoms 

• Pneumonia requiring hospitalization 

• Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C]  or greater) or feeling feverish 

• Cough 

• Sore throat 

• Runny or stuffy nose 

• Muscle or body aches 

• Headaches 

• Fatigue 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty  breathing 

Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. 

If you get any new symptoms of illness while working with confirmed or potentially  infected animals or confirmed or potentially contaminated byproducts or surfaces and during the 10 days after your last exposure: 

• Stay home and stay away from others as much as possible until you know whether you have H5N1 bird flu. If you have H5N1 bird flu, stay home and away from others until you feel better. 

• Tell your supervisor and medical provider, and they will help you contact your state/local health department. 

• Your health department will help you determine what to do next and may test you for H5N1 bird flu. 

• A medical provider may prescribe medication that is used  for treatment of flu (antiviral medication). It is important to  follow the directions for taking the medication. 

Treatment

Treatment involves FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications. The CDC recommends starting empiric treatment with oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) as soon as possible for anyone with suspected or confirmed H5N1 infection, regardless of symptom onset time. Early treatment (ideally within two days of symptom onset) is most effective at making the illness milder. Hospitalized patients may require immediate treatment with a longer duration or a combination of antivirals. 

Prevention

The best prevention method is to avoid sources of exposure: 

• Avoid contact with sick or dead poultry, wild birds, dairy cows, or other potentially infected animals.

• Wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) if contact is unavoidable (e.g., work-related).

• Avoid consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk and related products.

• Monitor your health for 10 days after exposure. Immediately contact a healthcare provider and your local health department if symptoms develop. Antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis may be considered for high-risk exposures after consulting health officials. 

For more information on bird flu, other health and prevention topics, and health services provided at Gilmer County Health Department, please visit our community page at https://www.gilmerhealthwv.com/blog or use the QR Code below.