Avian influenza, also referred to as bird flu, is a disease of birds (e.g. ducks, chickens). Between 2003 and 2006 the H5N1 avian influenza virus has infected millions of birds. Although it is primarily a disease of birds a small number of people have also been infected after having close contact with birds. Also see influenza, seasonal influenza, and pandemic influenza.
Contact
A contact is a term used to refer to someone who has been in close proximity with an individual who is, or is suspected of being, infected with an infectious disease like influenza.
H5N1
H5N1 is the latest avian influenza virus subtype of concern and there appears to be little human immunity to it. The predominant winter strain of human influenza is H3N2. Most adults have some partial immunity to this strain, which caused a pandemic in 1968 when it evolved from avian influenza.
Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is a term that applies to the cleaning of ones hands. This is usually done with soap and water, hand sanitizer, or hand wipes. To kill an influenza virus hands must be washed with soap and water for 15 seconds and hand sanitizers or wipes must be used for 10 seconds and have an alcohol content of at least 60%.
Human-to-human transmission
Human-to-human transmission refers to the ability of an infectious diseases to be passed continuously from one person to another. Some viruses can be transmitted between animals (animal-to-animal), some can be transmitted from animal-to-human (and vice versa), and some can be transmitted from human-to-human.
Infection control
Infection control is broad term used to describe a number of measures designed to detect, prevent, and contain the spread of infectious disease. Some measures include hand washing, respiratory etiquette, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), prophylaxis, isolation, and quarantine.
Infectious disease
An infectious disease, or communicable disease, is caused by the entrance of organisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi) into the body which grow and multiply there to cause illness. Infectious diseases can be transmitted, or passed, by direct contact with an infected individual, their discharges (e.g. breath), or with an item touched by them.
Influenza
Influenza is a viral disease that causes high fever, sore through, cough, and muscle aches. It usually affects the respiratory system but sometimes affects other organs. It is spread by infectious droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air. These droplets can land on the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth or be inhaled into the lungs of another person. Infection can also occur from contact with surfaces contaminated with infectious droplets and respiratory secretions. Also see seasonal, avian, and pandemic influenza.
Isolation
Isolation is when sick people are asked to remain in one place (e.g. home, hospital), away from the public, until they are no longer infectious.
Pandemic influenza
A pandemic influenza, or pandemic flu, occurs when a new subtype of influenza virus: 1) develops and there is little or no immunity (protection due to previous infection or vaccination) in the human population; 2) it is easily passed from human to human; 3) is found in many countries; and, 4) causes serious illness in humans. Also see influenza, seasonal influenza, and avian influenza.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn to protect someone against a hazard including an infectious disease. It can range from a mask or a pair of gloves to a combination of gear that might cover some or all of the body.
Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis is an infection control measure whereby antimicrobial, including antiviral, medications are taken by a healthy individual (e.g. nurse, contact) to prevent illness before or after being exposed to an individual with an infectious disease (e.g. influenza).
Quarantine
A quarantine is when people who have been in close proximity to an infected person, but appear healthy, are asked to remain in one place, away from the general public, until it can be determined that they have not been infected.
Respiratory etiquette
Respiratory etiquette, or good coughing and sneezing manners, is one way of minimizing the spread of viruses which are passed from human-to-human in the tiny droplets of moisture that come out of the nose or mouth when coughing, sneezing, or talking. Healthy and sick people should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose and then put the used tissue in the trash to prevent the spread of germs.
Seasonal influenza
Seasonal influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease. In the United States, flu season usually occurs between December and March. The influenza virus is one that has the ability to change easily; however, there is usually enough similarity in the virus from one year to the next that the general population is partially immune from previous infection or vaccination. Each year experts monitor the influenza virus and create a new vaccine to address changes in the virus. For this reason people are encouraged to get a flu shot each year. Also see influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza.
Social distancing
Social distancing is an infection control strategy that includes methods of reducing the frequency and closeness of contact between people to limit the spread of infectious diseases. Generally, social distancing refers to the avoidance of gatherings with many people.
