Dr. Sandra MacLeod, executive medical director of the Sarasota County Health Department, explains the realities of avian influenza and what we can do to prepare.

Explain the basics of the bird flu virus.
Bird flu is, quite literally, influenza in birds. It’s thought that all influenza ultimately comes from birds—when humans acquire the virus, then it starts being called a “flu.” Right now, the bird flu that’s being talked about is in domestic fowl and wild birds. It’s very rarely passed on to humans, because very close contact to the birds is required. It also hasn’t developed the ability to pass from human to human with any degree of efficiency the way it would when it becomes a human flu, and that’s the occurrence that we’re concerned about, because this particular type of bird flu has a high mortality rate.

What is a pandemic, and will this virus become one?
Pandemics of influenza are a natural occurrence. Three have occurred in the last century and, inevitably, another one will occur at some point in the future and a large number of the population will be affected. That’s all we can say for now. 

What are some preventative measures that we can take?
We’re giving people the basic health advice that we do every year. A flu shot is a good option—it won’t be active against bird flu, but it will keep regular flu to a minimum and there will be less chance that both viruses will coexist. It will also keep the regular flu from spreading from person-to-person as quickly. Families should also have a disaster plan and supplies on hand—medicine, nonperishable food items and water, for example. [If bird flu occurs here], one of our recommendations will be something called “social distancing”—we recommend that people stay at home, away from large social gatherings, in an attempt to reduce transmission from human to human. When a new virus emerges, it takes time to develop a vaccine.

Travel Tips
If you’re planning on traveling to one of the countries affected by bird flu in Asia, Europe or Africa, the Sarasota County Health Department has come up with a one-stop list of precautions to take. Included in its brochure are the following:

• Stay up-to-date with all vaccinations and see your physician 4 to 6 weeks before travel to get any additional vaccinations, medication or information you may need.

• Assemble a travel kit that includes foreign travel shot records, alcohol-based hand gel, copies of personal prescription medications, antihistamines, decongestants, first aid supplies and a thermometer, aspirin/ibuprofen/acetaminophen, cold medication, and anti-diarrheal medication.

• Identify in-country healthcare resources prior to your trip.

• Check your health insurance plan or get additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become ill.

• While abroad in affected countries, wash hands frequently, avoid all direct contact with poultry, be sure that all poultry-based food is thoroughly cooked.

For more information, visit sarasotahealth.org.