H5N1 bird flu: What you need to know about avian flu

News that Canada has experienced its first death from the H5N1 bird flu is likely to instill fear in many of us.

Despite being told that the Alberta woman's death was a very rare incident, people understandably want to know more about how to protect themselves.

With that in mind, here are the top five things you should know about H5N1.

What is H5N1?

The H5N1 virus is the original bird flu you likely heard about several years ago. It emerged in Asia in late 2003 and spread rapidly among that country's poultry population. Not to be confused with seasonal influenza, which is passed person-to-person, it is very hard to contract the H5N1 virus from an infected person. Human cases of the virus are extremely rare, yet when they do emerge the mortality rate is 60 per cent. Humans can get the virus through contact with an infected live or dead bird.

Also see: Canada reports first avian flu death

Is it likely to spread in Canada?

Probably not. Despite the Alberta woman's death, experts say that everyone she came in contact with shows no sign of disease so far. They believe this is an isolated incident, unless her contacts show symptoms within the next two weeks.

How can I protect my family?

Ensure that all poultry is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. Follow sound hygienic practices when preparing poultry, including washing your hands and anything that comes into contact with the raw meat.

There is currently no H5N1 vaccine available to the public and the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect you.

Also see: Common and dangerous doctor's misdiagnoses

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms of H5N1 infection can include abdominal pain, chest pain and diarrhea. As the virus progresses, a person will likely experience a fever (often greater than 38°C), cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Eventually, it can lead to a respiratory tract infection that causes difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

While symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, the difference with H5N1 is that it often leads to respiratory distress.

What are the treatments?

All cases should be treated with the antiviral medicine oseltamivir, which can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent death. Infected individuals should always be treated in hospital as they may require intensive care.

Sources: World Health Organization, Toronto Star, CTV, Globe and Mail