Avian Flu/Pandemic Flu
Use these links to jump to a topic, or scroll down to read it all.
- Introduction
- What is the Flu?
- How Flu Spreads
- How to Prevent the Flu
- Get Help if You Are Sick
- If You Travel Internationally
- For More Information About Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu
- For Questions or Comments About UNC's Pandemic Flu Plans
Introduction
This site provides information about seasonal flu, avian flu, pandemic flu, the University's planning and preparations for a pandemic event, and links to other resources. Consult this site for updates on avian and pandemic influenza, travel advisories, UNC policies and other information.Influenza viruses occur naturally in birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. But the viruses can pass to domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, and can make them sick and kill them. These viruses do not usually infect humans, but a few confirmed cases have been reported since 1997. Of the few viruses that have crossed into humans, H5N1 has caused the largest number of known cases of severe disease and death; 300 cases with 200 deaths as of October 2007. However, these cases have been the result of very close contact with infected birds. No cases of this virus have been detected in North America, and almost all the cases and deaths are in two countries: Vietnam and Indonesia. No cases of sustained human-to-human transmission have been established as of October 2007. However, scientists are concerned that the avian flu virus may mutate and become transmissible between humans.
In 1918, 1957, and 1968, the flu seasons in the U.S. were especially severe and resulted in a much higher number of illnesses and deaths over a widespread geographical area, which, by definition, were considered pandemic events.
Every year, usually between December and May, between 5% and 20% of the population in the U.S. become ill with the flu, or influenza. This is the normal course of seasonal flu with which we have become accustomed and is not the H5N1 influenza strain. It can, however, cause serious illness and even death in the very young, the elderly and other individuals with impaired resistance and chronic illnesses. For this reason, everyone should get a flu shot unless your health care provider advises you otherwise. See below for more information on getting a flu shot.
What is the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by airborne viruses that spread from person-to-person by droplets from coughing or sneezing. The period between becoming infected with the virus and becoming ill is usually 1 to 4 days. The contagious period is 3 to 5 days from the onset of symptoms. Symptoms of the flu, or influenza, are:- Fever (up to 104 degrees) and sweating/chills
- Headache, muscle aches and/or stiffness
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting and nausea (in children)
A cold and flu are alike in many ways. A stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. "Stomach flu" is not really the flu, as there are no respiratory symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea without the fever, cough, aching and respiratory symptoms is actually gastroenteritis, but some people call it "stomach flu." This form is caused by other microorganisms and has no relationship to true influenza.
How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from close person-to-person contact, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can live for as long as two hours on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.Healthy adults, infected with the virus, may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
