āāWhat is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that can cause serious illness and death in birds and mammals. Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or when inhaled.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Symptoms can be serious and lead to death.
Who is at higher risk of getting bird flu?
You are at higher risk if you work with or are around poultry, dairy cows, alpacas, wildlife or raw (unpasteurized) milk. This includes any contact with animal fluids, feces, or feathers.
Examples of those at higher risk include:
Farmworkers who:
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Wildlife Workers:
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Wildlife rehabilitation center staff and volunteers.
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Veterinary clinic staff.
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Pest management and animal removal personnel.
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Animal control officers and shelter staff.
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Zoo staff and volunteers.
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āHow does bird flu spread?
It spreads from sick cows, birds, or other infected animals to people by:
āBreathing in dust or droplets with the virus.
Splashing raw milk from an infected cow in your eyes, nose or mouth.
Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after:
Touching raw milk, cow or bird feces, or other contaminated items or surfaces.
Handling sick or dead animals infected with the virus.
āāDrinking raw milk. āāā
How do I avoid getting bird flu?You can protect yourself from bird flu by:
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Using the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals that could be infected with bird flu:
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Working outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor environments.
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Washing your hands after contact with animals or their environments and before taking breaks or eating/drinking.
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Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Wearing dedicated work clothing and footwear and washing them to keep on-site if possible.
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Changing clothes and footwear and showering after work.
What if I get bird flu?
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Tell your employer right away.
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Contact your
local public health department right away to arrange for testing and treatment. Tell them you may have been exposed to bird flu.
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Avoid or reduce contact with others until symptoms resolve.
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Reduce the spread:
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Consider wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) especially if you're sick and in crowded or indoor areas.
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Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue, then wash or sanitize your hands.āā