Avian Flu / Pandemic Flu

This site provides current information about avian (bird) flu and pandemic flu, what preparations are being made at the University of Maryland, College Park and links to other resources. Consult this site frequently for updates on avian and pandemic influenza, travel advisories, University of Maryland policies and other information.

Avian flu type H5N1 is a virulent viral disease affecting poultry and other birds in Asia. It is also called "bird flu." It has caused a small number of cases of flu and even some deaths in people who have been in direct contact with infected birds. No cases of sustained human-to-human transmission have been established as of January 2006; however, scientists are concerned that the avian flu virus may mutate and become transmissible between humans. Avian flu virus has not been found in the U.S.

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. It can 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.

In 1918, 1957 and 1968 the flu season in the U.S. was especially severe, and resulted in a much higher number of illnesses and deaths. This more dangerous form is called pandemic flu. Public health experts believe that a flu pandemic is likely to occur again in the future. Scientists worry that a mutant form of avian flu, under certain circumstances, could eventually cause a flu pandemic— although this scenario may never happen.

It is prudent to learn about flu prevention, get a flu shot, wash your hands often, and follow travel and public health advisories.

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.

How to prevent the flu

While avian flu is not a risk to you at this time, there are several things you can do to keep from getting seasonal flu:

• Get a flu shot
• When you get vaccinated, it reduces your chances of getting seasonal flu. Since the flu season can last through May, even January is not too late to get a flu shot; however, it takes 2 weeks after the shot to develop adequate immunity.
• Students, faculty, and staff may get a flu shot at the UMD Health Center. Please call 314-8184 for an appointment.
• You may also be able to flu shots with your private doctor or at one of various clinics at Safeway, Giant.
• Wash Your Hands

Hand washing is effective in preventing the flu, cold and other infectious diseases. According to the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rubbing your hands together with soap and water is one of the most important ways to prevent infection. Disease- causing germs can enter your body when your unwashed hands touch your nose, eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Make hand washing a habit and encourage others in your workplace to do the same by downloading and posting UMD's Hand washing Poster.

When soap and water are not available, use an antibacterial hand cleaner. Choose alcohol hand rubs with 60 - 95% alcohol (usually listed as isopropyl, ethanol or propanol). Glycerol or other skin conditioning agents are helpful additives. Read the directions and use the hand rub appropriately. Never wipe the hand rub off; allow your hands to air dry. When used properly, these sanitizers reduce the transmission of disease-causing germs.

Other ways to prevent the flu include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• Cover your mouth with tissue when sneezing;
• Stay away from others if you are sick; don't go to class or work;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

More Information about Preventing the Flu

CDC has abundant information on influenza, or the flu.

Get Help if you are sick

If you develop symptoms of the flu, contact your health-care provider. There may be medications to relieve your symptoms. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

The flu can be debilitating, causing the person who is ill to be bedridden for extended periods. Be alert to the well being of your friends, relatives and co-workers. Those with the flu may need assistance in getting medical attention and care.

If you are at special risk from complications of flu, you should consult your health care provider immediately upon recognizing flu symptoms. Those at risk include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women or children.

If you Travel Internationally

As of January 2006 there are no international travel restrictions as a result of avian flu. If you travel to a country where avian flu is present, avoid poultry farms and open air markets where poultry is sold.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the CDC and the U.S. Department of State issue travel information, alert, warnings and announcements for public safety, personal security and health issues. Before you travel internationally please consult the sites below. WHO, CDC and State Department advisories are updated often and may differ. When they differ, UMD recommends erring on the side of caution by following the most conservative advice. If an area has a travel advisory or warning in effect, the safest decision is not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. For more international travel health information, see:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health information and recommendations for travel to specific destinations
• U.S. Department of State Current Travel Warnings
• WHO recommendations to travelers coming from and going to countries experiencing avian flu outbreaks

If a travel warning pertaining to avian flu is issued, UMD's Policy Concerning Study, Travel, and Research in Countries Under U.S. State Department Travel Warnings will apply.

UMD Health Resources for International Travelers

For those students, faculty and staff who plan to travel internationally, these UMD resources can provide advice on vaccinations, prophylactic medications and other health and safety precautions:

• Students,faculty,and staff should contact the International Travel Clinic at the Student Health Service at 314-8184

As of January 2006, the World Health Organization does not recommend screening travelers from countries where avian flu is present.

If you have recently lived in, or traveled from, an area where avian flu is present and you now have a fever, headache, muscle aches or respiratory symptoms, you should call a health care provider and ask for instructions. Students,faculty,and staff can call UMD Health Center at 304-314-8162 and ask to speak with a nurse.

University of Maryland Emergency Plans for pandemic flu

The University of Maryland has taken several measures to prevent pandemic flu and prepare the campus in the event of an outbreak.

• University of Maryland has an all-hazard Emergency Plan that details responsibilities, chain of command and response actions.
• University of Maryland is providing flu prevention information to students, faculty and staff, including this web site and our hand washing campaign.
• University of Maryland is working with the Prince Georges County Health Department and the State of Maryland to make sure our preparations and plans are consistent with theirs. In an outbreak or pandemic, those agencies have authority to direct public health actions, including quarantine.
• University of Maryland has formed a Pandemic Flu Assessment Team of campus experts and key response departments to conduct pre-event planning and prepare specific pandemic flu response procedures.
• University of Maryland has developed procedures and plans for supporting ill students who reside on campus, if it becomes necessary.

For More Information About Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu

• Maryland State Goverment
• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services