Bird Flu Pandemic in the UK ....
..... information you should know.... and more!
What is an influenza pandemic?
A Flu pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreading around the world and infecting many people in a very short time.
A Flu virus capable of causing a pandemic is a virus that people have no natural immunity to and can easily spread from person to person. It may cause severe disease. A Flu pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It could happen at any time of the year, not just winter.
Tthe Flu is a very infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave you ill for up to 10 days. There are many types of influenza virus, some of which infect birds. These are Bird Flu viruses. Very occaisionally, a Bird Flu virus can also infect people. The current H5N1 Bird Flu virus has infected some people who have caught it from having close contact with infected birds.
A number of countries in Asia andsouth-eastern Europe are experiencing outbreaks of Avian flu (bird flu), affecting mainly poultry (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys).
The virus responsible for the current outbreak is H5N1 - a type of influenza not normally associated with human disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried that a Bird Flu virus and a human flu virus might mix. This could result in a new strain of influenza virus that can be easily passed from person to person. The new flu virus could spread rapidly around the world, infecting many people. This would be an influenza pandemic.
How likely is an influenza pandemic?
It is certain an influenza pandemic will happen one day. The H5N1 Bird Flu virus that is found in some countries could become a pandemic influenza virus at any time.
Flu pandemics - How often do they occur?
There were three flu pandemics last century, in 1918, 1956-57 and 1968.
The last flu Pandemics - what caused them?
All three pandemics last century were caused by different types of Bird Flu viruses.
What is being done to prepare for a Bird Flu pandemic?
Many countries have been planning for this for some time. Many National Health Organisations have a national pandemic plan, and Local Health Authorities have local plans.
Following the advice of the World Health Organization, an increasing number of countries are now beginning to stockpile anti-viral medicines to help reduce the impact of any future pandemic.
What could happen in an Bird Flu pandemic in the UK?
A Bird Flu pandemic could mean so many people are sick that it will affect workplaces, schools, hospitals and many other services. Airports could be closed and international travel restricted. The import of various meat and other products may be stopped. There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels that there is an influenza pandemic.
Some workplaces and schools may close. Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks. You may be asked to care for yourself and others at home.
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Recent UK Bird Flu Pandemic News
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For more information and the latest news on the spread of Bird Flu globally, see the World Health Organization
For a list of all affected countries see the World Organisation for Animal Health website.
Other information on the Avian Fly visit the website of the Centres for Disese Control and Prevention
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