#Influenza prevention

[firstchoicehha]

As the flu season approaches, it is essential to avoid catching the flu, especially for those receiving home health care in Corona, California. The flu can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Therefore, taking preventative measures to protect yourself and those around you is crucial.

[thebookishwallflower]

I want to make a post to inform people about the current situation with the bird flu (/avian flu/H5N1) outbreaks.

I don't want to cause panic but do want to spread information.

This is especially important if you live in an area that has a news system you don't trust to give accurate, timely, or honest news about something like a possible new pandemic, use your own judgement.

If that applies it is going to be very important to make sure you stay informed and follow these H5N1 outbreaks yourself and know how to best protect yourself.

I am no expert, but I do know a good bit about disease and influenza in particular, and have been following the H5N1 outbreaks as they've been happening, so under the cut I'm going to do my best to inform everyone I can.

Please stay safe, stay informed, and spread information, not germs.

What's bird flu and why do I care? (What's bird flu and why do I care?)

Avian flu and bird flu mean the same thing, an influenza virus that (primarily) infects birds. H5N1 denotes a specific strain of avian influenza. H5N1 can spillover (when a pathogen spreads from it's normal host organism to a new host organism) from animals to humans.

How could I get H5N1? (How could I get H5N1?)

Human to human transmission has not been observed yet (12/1/24) during this current outbreak. You can get this from contact with wild birds, especially water fowl, domestic birds, cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and bats. It is also possible to get from raw (unpasteurized) milk and undercooked meat from infected animals.

What's the big deal then? (What's the big deal then?)

The common flu is not very pathogenic. How pathogenic something is determines how sick something makes the host, something that is highly pathogenic can cause severe disease. H5N1 is considered a HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

H5N1 is also a Type A influenza virus, most known Type A influenza viruses can infect birds. There is one Type A human flu in circulation at the moment, however it isn't very prevalent.

"IAV poses a significant risk of zoonotic infection, host switch, and the generation of pandemic viruses. IAVs can infect humans and a variety of animals, such as pigs, horses, marine mammals, cats, dogs, and birds (S1)."

IAV - Influenza A Viruses | Zoonotic infection - when an infectious disease of a non-human host infects a human host | Host switch - when a cross-species transmission of a pathogen can lead to successful, stable, and continuous infections

Every species the flu infects, the more strains that pop up under a sub-type IAV, the possibility for recombination increases. "Recombination occurs when at least two viral genomes [or strains] co-infect the same host cell and exchange genetic segments (S2)."

The flu is pretty good at recombination, when given the chance. It is also really good at mutating, and fast. If there were to be a recombination event and a new strain evolved (this would be called an antigenic shift) that was highly pathogenic, highly infectious (good at spreading, which H5N1 is), that could then infect humans and cause human-to-human transmission we might have a pandemic on our hands. This has not shown signs of happening during this outbreak*, this is what to look out for.

This (a recombination event) is what caused the 1918 pandemic during WW1. This pandemic killed an estimated 50 to 100 million people in 1918, in a world with a population of around 2 billion. 7.1 million died of COVID 19, as of 11/9/24 (S3), from a population of around 8 billion.

We know more, we are prepared, it's not guaranteed to happen, and it's not guaranteed to be as bad. But the possibilities are endless and it's extremely important to be prepared and stay informed.

So what do I do? (So what do I do?)

Again, stay informed, and that might mean checking independent news sources, the CDC website, and more, to keep yourself updated, especially if you know your local news won't do it for you. You should also familiarize yourself with the symptoms of influenza, if you have it, stay home.

Keep yourself safe, we had a pandemic already, you know the drill. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing/coughing, wash your hands, sanitize your hands, and get your flu shot. And, in addition, avoid contact with wild birds, poultry, pigs, and cattle if you can.

In the event that this gets worse, social distancing is very important, being outdoors, wearing a mask, and all the stuff above, you can shed the virus for around a week before you start feeling bad. Keep yourself safe and don't infect anyone else.

If that doesn't sound like it'll do much, I promise you it does. Those are all classified NPI's (non-pharmaceutical interventions) and even epidemiologists were shocked at their impact and importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. They did work, and they were incredibly effective—as long as they were carried out.

I don't want to cause panic or worry anyone, but that is how information ends of suppressed. I want to make everyone aware of what we might face so that we can fight it and be strong and stay safe.

If anyone has any questions, wants any clarification, any corrections, or wants to know some good places to learn more about this stuff please don't hesitate to contact me (@'s, dm's, or asks), I will answer as best I can.

Here's the CDC's page covering the H5 bird flu current situation.

S1 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5578040/

S2 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7106159/

S3 - https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths?n=c

*with the exception of this coverage (as a possibility): https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/19/bird-flu-cases-mutation-canada

[iheartvmt]

Ugggghhhhh canine influenza outbreak in the state, so of course now all the brands of the vaccines are on backorder 🙄

[ricisidro]

‎Update: H5N1 bird flu Avian Influenza

‎

‎Gov. Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in California in response to the outbreak in dairy cattle and the first severe human case detected in Louisiana.

‎

‎There were 860 recorded human infections across 19 countries since 2003 – with about 53% death rate, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A total of 61 human cases of bird flu across 16 US states so far (34 in California) and no recorded deaths of the recent outbreak, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC).

‎

‎-https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1218-h5n1-flu.html

‎

‎-https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cdc-confirms-first-severe-case-bird-flu-us-2024-12-18/

[farmerstrend]

Diseases do Not Announce Their Arrival: Understanding and Preventing Poultry Diseases

In poultry farming, diseases pose a silent but ever-present threat to your flock. For most rural poultry farmers, the scourge of disease can lead to devastating consequences, ranging from financial losses to the eventual closure of operations. This article aims to educate poultry farmers on the causes, warning signs, and practical steps to mitigate poultry diseases effectively. The Heavy Cost of…

[masonrxpharmacy]

As the colder months approach, it's time to prioritize the health and well-being of your family by understanding the importance of flu vaccines. Flu shots are a crucial line of defence against the influenza virus, which can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. At Mason Pharmacy, we emphasize the significance of protecting your family from flu and provide comprehensive flu season health tips to ensure a safer and healthier winter season.

Understanding the Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine, commonly known as the flu shot, is a safe and effective way to prevent the flu. It works by exposing your immune system to inactivated or weakened strains of the influenza virus, allowing your body to build antibodies and fight off the infection if exposed. The flu vaccine is updated annually to target the most prevalent strains circulating each season, making it essential to get vaccinated every year.

[publicacionesconverclick]

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF SEASONAL INFLUENZA IN SCHOOLS

by ads Converclick on June 27, 2024

This document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency, provides guidelines to help reduce the spread of seasonal influenza (flu) among students and staff in schools. 

[drlohmedicalblog]

Which Vaccines Should I Take?

This article will cover the key vaccines recommended for adults and why they're important.

As adults, we often think of vaccines as something primarily for children. However, immunizations play a crucial role in maintaining our health throughout our lives. In this post, we’ll explore the key vaccines recommended for adults and why they’re important. NOTE: These are general recommendations – you should always speak with your doctor for vaccinations that are specifically recommended for…

[spartanmemesmedical]

Understanding the Impact of Influenza A Virus in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction: Influenza A virus, a perennial health concern globally, has a significant impact on public health in Hong Kong. This respiratory virus, known for its ability to cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, poses considerable challenges to healthcare systems, communities, and individuals. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the nuances of influenza A virus in Hong Kong,…

[feminist-space]

World Health Organization

MEDIA ADVISORY

NEW: COVID19 variant of interest JN.1

Geneva, 19 December 2023 -- Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOl) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOl as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.

WHO advises people to take measures to prevent infections and severe disease using all available tools. These include:

-Wear a mask when in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, and keep a safe distance from others, as feasible

-Improve ventilation

-Practise respiratory etiquette - covering coughs and sneezes

-Clean your hands regularly

-Stay up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza, especially if you are at high risk for severe disease

-Stay home if you are sick

-Get tested if you have symptoms, or if you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or influenza

For health workers and health facilities, WHO advises:

-Universal masking in health facilities, as well as appropriate masking, respirators and other PPE for health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.

-Improve ventilation in health facilities

Image also has alt text embedded.

[clinicahispanaamerica]

Being a provider of medical care, we highly recommend getting the flu vaccine. Gaining immunization from the influenza virus provides many benefits. Read on to learn more.

[mdlinehealth]

HOW DOES YOUR BODY FIGHT RESPIRATORY VIRUSES?

Respiratory viruses are a common and diverse group of pathogens that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild colds to severe respiratory diseases. They are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Common respiratory viruses include the rhinovirus, influenza virus, coronavirus (COVID-19), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The…

[guiasmaternos]

Child Flu: How to Recognize, Treat, and Prevent

Child flu is a common but manageable concern for parents. Get updated information on how to recognize, treat, and prevent it. Learn about symptoms, home treatment, vaccination, myths, and more.

Child flu is more than just a simple cold and can be a frightening experience for both the child and the parents. With proper understanding of the symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures, this condition can be effectively managed. Symptoms of Child Flu Child flu symptoms may include: High fever Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Fatigue Headache Treatment Child flu…

[ricisidro]

Reminder: For your own and family 's protection this holiday season, avoid the 3Cs in preventing the spread of #COVID and #influenza-like illnesses (#ILI): (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings) as #NCR's #Covid19 positivity rate rises to 22%; infections may peak ‘next week’ and the case fatality rate in the #Philippines in 2023 was 0.34% or 1 in 300 cases for severe and critical cases which constitute 22% of active Covid cases. — #OCTA via @iamguidodavid

[orcinus-veterinarius]

Information to know about your pet… before you visit the vet:

- What kind of food does your pet eat? Include the brand name and flavor, as well as the amount fed and how often they eat. Remember that “one scoop” doesn’t mean much, so be sure to quantify it in cups, etc. before your next visit. Don’t forget to mention treats, or any recent diet changes!

- What medications, if any, does your pet take? Please know the drug name, dosage, and frequency, as well as how long they’ve been on it. Preventatives count as meds too! Different brands protect against different parasites, so be sure to know which your pet takes.

- Is your pet ever exposed to other animals? This includes animals in the home, at the dog park, groomers, daycare, boarding, and play dates with neighbors or friends. When was their most recent exposure?

- Is your pet up to date on vaccines? Which ones? Just the core vaccines (rabies and DHPP for dogs/FVRCP for cats), or non-core such as lepto, influenza, Bordetella, and/or feline leukemia as well? If not up to date, did they ever receive any vaccines in the past, and when?

- Does your pet have any relevant medical history? Please disclose any previous illnesses or surgeries you are aware of to your vet team.

- What is your pet’s spay/neuter status? Different reproductive diseases affect intact and altered animals. If you’re unsure, just let us know!

- Has your pet traveled recently? This includes everything from trips out of the country to a day drive across town for a swim at the lake. Certain toxins and diseases are more prevalent in different environments.

- Is your pet nervous or aggressive? There’s no shame in this! Please let us know for our safety and your pet’s.

Remember that not all vet visits are planned, so be sure to learn this information ahead of time. I hope this helps better equip you to advocate for your pet!

Fellow vet professionals, feel free to add on!