Prevention & Control of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus

Avian flu, also known as the H5N1 strain, is a form of flu that, according to the Mayo Clinic, rarely affects humans, yet is known to be highly lethal if it does. It occurs commonly in poultry and water fowl, such as geese, and can only be spread through contact with fecal matter that contains the virus. As a result, it is most often found in developing countries that feature markets that deal in eggs and birds. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent and control the spread of the virus.

Avian Flu Vaccine

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has yet to undergo "adaptive mutations" or "reassortment," which would allow it to transmit to humans from birds and from humans to humans in a much simpler manner. Although a vaccine, approved on April 17, 2007 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, does exist, it is not made available to the public yet, since the H5N1 avian flu virus has yet to become recognized as a pandemic. This vaccine is effective against just one strain of the H5N1 virus. The government is stockpiling reserves of this vaccine, and research is being conducted on new forms of the vaccine to help protect against a wider variety of the H5N1 virus.

Prevention and Control

• The best way to prevent infection with the H5N1 avian flu virus is to avoid any area that might be harboring an outbreak or be a breeding ground for the virus. This includes areas primarily in Southeast Asia, especially those locations that have live animal markets or poultry farms. Prevention can be found in good hygiene, primarily the regular washing of hands and all silverware, plates or other cooking utensils that have come near raw poultry. According to the Mayo Clinic, the virus can be destroyed using heat, so using a mix of hot water and soap is the best way to prevent and control the virus from spreading. In addition, raw eggs should be avoided, as egg shells can harbor the virus due to their often being contaminated with bird feces. Bird flu is not a serious threat at the moment, especially in the United States, so prevention simply requires of a modicum personal responsibility and exercising due caution.