Preparation for the Arrival of Bird Flu in the UK
There are 15 types of bird, or avian, flu.
The type which can prove fatal to humans, and is causing massive concern at the moment worldwide is the H5N1 strain.
A Bird Flu Pandemic ?
A pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has no immunity. The result is several, simultaneous epidemics worldwide with enormous numbers of deaths and illness. With the increase in global transport and communications, epidemics due the new influenza virus are likely to quickly take hold around the world.
How can Humans become infected?
Humans can become infected through close contact with live birds which have the virus.
Birds excrete the virus in their faeces, which dry, become pulverised, and are then inhaled.
Symptoms produced are similar to other types of flu – high temperature, weakness, sore throats and coughs. People can also develop conjunctivitis.
Transmission from person to person
Cases have shown that most humans have contracted the virus following very close contact with infected birds.
There may have been examples of human-to-human transmission, but so far, not in the form which could fuel a pandemic.
However, if the virus gains the ability to pass easily between humans, the results could be catastrophic. Worldwide, experts predict anything between two million and 50 million deaths if this happens.
What will the
If the virus mutates into a form easily transmitted between humans, drug companies will set to work developing a vaccine.
The government has said it will purchase 120 million doses of it - enough to treat the whole
A stockpile of 14.6 million courses of the antiviral drug Tamiflu is also being built up. This would alleviate the symptoms of the disease, and slow its progression. It would not be a cure or offer immunity from it. There would be enough vaccine to treat 25% of the
The government has also purchased a limited supply of vaccines against the bird flu strain H5N1. It is not known how effective this would be against a mutated strain being transmitted between humans but it might offer some protection.
Leaflets have been sent to health professionals to advise them about what to expect in case of a flu pandemic.
Protection against Bird Flu Infection
The First Aid Warehouse offers a range of products to try and help protect you and your family against Bird Flu infection including:
Bird Flu Kits
Masks
Goggles
Hand washing equipment and antibacterial gels
Please note that the kits do not offer any immunity to Bird Flu but may assist in the protection if contact with contaminated animals occurs.
Protection of persons at risk of occupational exposure
Persons at risk of occupational exposure on affected or at-risk farms should be protected by wearing personal protective equipment.
1. Protective clothing, preferably coveralls plus an impermeable apron or surgical gowns with long cuffed sleeves plus an impermeable apron;
2. Heavy-duty rubber work gloves that may be disinfected;
3. Standard well-fitted surgical masks should be used to prevent infection and cross-infection.
4. Goggles;
5. Rubber or polyurethane boots that can be disinfected and protective foot covers that can be discarded.
6 Use of hand washing and antibacterial gels
Infection Control Precautions in the Clinical Environment.
Standard infection control procedures should be used including:
Hand washing and antisepsis
Use of personal protective equipment ( masks, gloves, gowns, aprons) when handling blood and other bodily substances.
Prevention of needle stick injuries
Environmental cleaning and spills management
Appropriate handling of waste
Additional Precautions to be taken with patients with H5N1 virus include:
Droplet precautions
Contact precautions
Airborne precautions, including the use of masks.
Strict adherence to these precautions is required to break the chain of infection transmission.
