The flu is easily transmitted by inhaling exhaled or sneezed out particles from a sick person. When a host coughs, sneezes or exhales, large amounts of the virus are released into the environment. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.People could be infected with a influenza virus, spreading the disease (contagious) and not show symptoms. Symptoms may appear after 2 days possible as long as 17 days after exposure to the virus. Many patients have developed acute respiratory distress, which can occur in as little as 3 days (6-7 days average). The median time from start of symptoms to death has been 10 days. Influenza viruses can be shed by adults up to 7 days after resolution of fever and up to 21 days in children under 12 after onset of illness. 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. It can also be shed in mucus, saliva, tears, stool and other body fluids. You pass on the virus for up to a week after you stop feeling symptoms. Children under 12 are contagious up to 21 days after symptoms stop. Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
The fatality rate for the H5N1 virus strain of influenza is more than 50%. Most patients have developed acute respiratory distress in 7 days. The median time from start of symptoms to death has been 10 days. Currently there is no vaccine and no cure.
Advice
for people living in areas affected by Bird Flu or Avian Influenza
3
pages *
World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/04FA6993-8CD1-4B72-ACB9-EB0EBD3D0CB1/0/Advice10022004rev08112004.pdf
Bird Flu and You
posters (11"x17" minimum) and handouts 1 page *
A Quick Guide To Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Bird (Pandemic) Flu.
Available in 9 languages.
National Security Health Policy Center (NSHPC)
http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/Bird_flu.htm
Proper Handwashing Procedure 1 page
*
Department of Health - Republic of Philipines
http://www.doh.gov.ph/images/handwashing.jpg
Be certain to wash under your fingernails and always dry with a disposable paper
towel.
Print this page and place a copy at all sinks.
Guidelines for good handwashing video (mpeg, 3.46
Mb)
Hong Kong Government
Center for Health Protection
http://www.chp.gov.hk/guideline_infection.asp?lang=en&id=346
For Health To Be Bright Get The Hygiene Right -
Handwashing poster
1 page
Hong Kong Government Information Center
http://www.info.gov.hk/info/ap/graphics/b_bright_eposter.gif
Hygiene Tips For Kids video (mpeg 23.86 mb)
Singapore Government Flu Website
http://www.flu.gov.sg/pandemic/resources.html
Guidelines on the Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools
40 pages
Hong Kong Government
Center for Health Protection
http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/diseases/files/Guild-Booklet-eng.pdf
Preventing the Flu
internet connection required
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)