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The University of Texas Health Science Center
at Houston
Environmental Health and Safety Department
Avian Influenza
Information and Preparedness
Recent headline news stories have heightened interest in the coming
flu season. Besides the more regular, predictable human flu strains,
international experts are warning that a current strain of flu in
birds--known as avian influenza (specifically the strain H5N1)--could
cross over to spread amongst humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
ways that you can help prevent the spread of all influenza viruses
by using good health habits, including:
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,
keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
too.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are
sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated
with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Get vaccinated.
Although no vaccine currently exists for avian influenza, it is
prudent practice to get vaccinated for the more common human influenza
viruses. Contact UT Health Services (713-500-3267) or your local
health care provider for more information.
Avian influenza is normally only spread to humans who ingest contaminated
poultry or live in close proximity of contaminated birds and come
in contact with contaminated bird saliva, nasal secretions, and/or
feces. The WHO along with the CDC are closely monitoring the situation
in Asian (and more recently European) countries that have identified
H5N1 avian flu outbreaks. For more information from these entities
regarding avian influenza, including fact sheets, frequently asked
questions, and up to date outbreak information, please visit the
following sites:
CDC Avian Influenza Information Page: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
WHO Avian Influenza Information Page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html
The UTHSC-H is taking measures to prepare for flu season and for
any possible instances of avian flu. At this time, vaccine supplies
are uncertain, so please contact UT Health Services (713-500-3267)
and your local health care provider for the most up to date information
regarding availability of influenza vaccine. University officials
are closely monitoring surveillance reports from locations around
the world, and will keep the university community abreast of any
developments. Everyone can assist in these surveillance activities
by educating themselves on the signs and symptoms of influenza (human
and avian influenza presents itself in similar fashion in humans)
and by monitoring and reporting potential flu activity promptly
to UT Health Services.
Please contact Environmental Health and Safety at 713-500-8100
for further information.
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