What is Avian (H5N1) Influenza?
Avian influenza is not the same as the more common, seasonal influenza that affects people each year. Avian influenza is a viral disease that commonly infects birds around the world. Health officials are paying close attention to a new type of influenza, the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is currently affecting birds in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The few people that have become infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus have become very ill, and over half died after becoming infected. fact sheet (pdf)
Am I at risk?
People who become sick with avian influenza have been in close contact with infected birds or their waste. There are no reports of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in humans or birds in North America. At this time people in the United States have a very low risk for contracting the H5N1 avian influenza virus. To protect yourself from many different diseases, practice Healthy Habits (pdf) and Safe Food Handling (pdf).
What is the difference between avian influenza and influenza pandemics?
Avian influenza
A disease that mainly impacts birds. H5N1 is a virus that spreads very rapidly among birds such as ducks, chickens and turkeys. It is a deadly virus that kills many of the infected birds. Some people have been infected through close contact with infected birds. Scientists, medical professionals and government officials are interested in the H5N1 avian influenza virus because the virus could change (mutate) into a form that would spread easily from person to person.
