Pandemic Flu Talking Points Pandemic flu is a worldwide outbreak or distribution of influenza (flu).    Currently there is no influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak) in the world.   The Avian Influenza (H5N1, Bird Flu) is not currently a pandemic flu.  There is a slight possibility (if it become human to human transmitted) that the avian flu could become a pandemic flu; however, a pandemic flu could also be caused by another flu type.  Also, it is important to remember that H5N1 avian influenza is almost exclusively a disease of birds.  The H5N1 virus has not yet appeared in the U.S.  Should the H5N1 virus appear in the U.S., it does not mean the start of a pandemic.  Currently there is not an available vaccine for prevention of avian flu.  During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.  There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses.  Although not currently found in the U.S. the avian flu has been found in migratory birds in other countries.  Infected migratory birds could be a means of entrance of avian flu into the United States.  Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game, including wild birds. The National Wildlife Health Center recommends that hunters:  Do not handle or eat sick game. Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. Cook all game thoroughly.  There are several activities or behaviors you can adopt that will decrease your chances of getting or spreading any type of flu.  These include: Good and frequent handwashing Soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub Before preparing a meal Before and after placing your hands near your face i.e. eating, drinking, taking meds, applying makeup, etc. Before and after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing and even shaking hands with someone else After coming in contact with anything possibly contaminated with germs (pets, soil, objects, uncooked food etc.) Cough Etiquette: coughing or sneezing into tissues or the bend of your elbow instead of coughing into your bare hands Quick and proper disposal of used tissues Social distancing: keeping a distance of about 3 feet or more from other people during conversation or other interaction  Stay home if you are sick  An additional point to remember is that the next influenza pandemic could be substantially less severe than what the movie “Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America” depicts or that occurred in 1918.  For example, the influenza pandemics of 1957/58 and 1968/69 caused so much less illness and death than did the 1918/19 pandemic that many Americans at that time did not distinguish them from seasonal influenza and were unaware that a pandemic was underway.  The ABC Movie “Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America” is a movie, not a documentary.  It is a work of fiction designed to entertain and not a factual accounting of a real world event.  While the H5N1 virus (Avian Influenza) has not yet appeared in the U.S., and there is no influenza pandemic in the world at this time, it is important for all Americans to be informed about this potential public health threat and some of the steps individual Americans can take to protect themselves and their families in the event of a pandemic. For more information about Pandemic Flu, Avian Flu, and how to best prepare your business, family and home visit: www.pandemicflu.gov   What is currently being done?             The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring flu activity in animals and humans worldwide.  They have developed a plan for pandemic flu.   The federal government has developed a pandemic flu plan based on the recommendations of the WHO. The Centers for Disease Control is monitoring flu activity in the US.   The state of North Carolina is also monitoring flu activity statewide.  The state has a pandemic flu plan. The state has teams for rapid response related to any type of mass casualty event. Rapid notification and surveillance systems are in place on the federal and state levels.             To see what Wayne County is doing refer to the Influenza Work Group section of this site.