Pandemic Flu - Common Questions

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	Home » Communicable disease facts » Pandemic Flu

Communicable Diseases and Epidemiology
Pandemic Flu - Common Questions

General Questions

What is pandemic influenza?

How is a pandemic different from regular flu season?

Why is pandemic influenza so serious?

Can pandemic flu be prevented?

When is pandemic influenza A expected?

Why does the current bird flu outbreak in other parts of the world pose a risk of causing a pandemic influenza A outbreak in humans?

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

What can the public do to reduce their risk of pandemic influenza?

How is pandemic influenza spread?

Will the regular (seasonal) flu shot provide any protection against the pandemic influenza virus?

If large numbers of people have the flu during a pandemic, will if affect my ability to get in to see a doctor?

What can I do if I can’t get in to see a doctor during a pandemic?

When a Pandemic is Present

What is the best way to protect myself from pandemic influenza?

If I feel “fluish,” should I ask my doctor to perform a particular test to check for the bird flu virus?

Should I buy Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for my home?

Will there be enough Tamiflu for everyone if there is a global pandemic influenza outbreak, and if not, who will get it?

Should I wear a mask at work to protect myself from pandemic influenza?

Do I need to disinfect surfaces that have been in contact with a person with influenza?

Why does it take so long to develop a pandemic influenza vaccine?

Bird flu questions

Is bird flu (or avian flu) the same thing as pandemic flu?

If I feel “fluish,” should I ask my doctor to perform a particular test to check for the bird flu virus?

Is it safe to eat chicken, poultry, and eggs?

I live near people who keep chickens and other poultry? Am I safe?

I have a bird feeder and a bird bath in my yard. Is this safe?

Does owning a caged pet bird increase the possibility of catching or spreading avian flu?

Can bird flu virus spread to my pet dog and cat?

What is being done to monitor for bird flu among domestic poultry in this area?

What is being done to monitor for bird flu in wild birds?

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

I have a small flock of chickens in my backyard. Are there any special precautions I should take to keep them from getting bird flu?

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Updated: Monday, July 17, 2006 at 03:57 PM

All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice. For more information please call 206-296-4600 (voice) or TTY Relay: 711. Mailing address: ATTN: Communications Team, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1300, Seattle, WA 98104 or click here to email us.

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