Managing Concerns About Avian Flu After Possible Exposure

Q: Managing Concerns About Avian Flu After Possible Exposure

Dear readers： Regarding the question "What can I do to reduce the severity of infection?" the response is as follows：<br>A： First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.tw.<br>1. <br>Can the novel H1N1 influenza virus be trans

Please advise on what to do during the incubation period of avian influenza?

Dear Dr.
Liao,
I accidentally consumed three pieces of undercooked chicken with blood on December 31, 2018.
I am now very concerned about the possibility of contracting avian influenza.
I researched online and found that the incubation period for avian influenza can range from a few hours to as long as 17 days.
During this 17-day period, can I continue my normal activities, such as exercising and going to work, or should I stay home and rest? If I do contract avian influenza, what steps can I take during this incubation period to reduce the severity of the infection? Thank you for your response!
Sincerely,
Ms.
Lin

Lin Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/02

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Influenza

Dear readers: Regarding the question "What can I do to reduce the severity of infection?" the response is as follows:
A: First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.tw.
1.
Can the novel H1N1 influenza virus be transmitted from person to person? Most novel H1N1 influenza virus subtypes have not fully adapted to humans, so their transmission capability is primarily limited to animal-to-human transmission.
However, there have been a few cases of family clusters associated with H5N1 and H7N9 influenza, indicating a possibility of limited human-to-human transmission, though there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
2.
Who is at higher risk of contracting novel H1N1 influenza? According to current epidemiological investigations of novel H1N1 influenza cases, most individuals had prior contact with infected or deceased animals or contaminated environments (such as slaughterhouses, live poultry markets, etc.).
Therefore, individuals working in poultry and livestock farming, those involved in culling or cleaning up animal influenza cases, zoo staff, animal health personnel, or those who have traveled to areas where novel H1N1 influenza is prevalent are considered high-risk groups for infection.
3.
How can the public avoid contracting novel H1N1 influenza? Contact with infected animals (such as birds and pigs), their secretions, excretions, and their environments increases the risk of contracting novel H1N1 influenza.
The public can take the following measures to prevent infection:
A.
Wash hands frequently with soap (hand wash) and avoid touching the mouth, nose, and eyes.
B.
Avoid contact with animals and their secretions; if contact occurs, thoroughly wash hands with soap (hand wash).
C.
Do not purchase meat or eggs from unknown sources.
D.
Meat, eggs, and related products should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
E.
Wash hands immediately after handling raw poultry, meat, and eggs, and thoroughly clean knives and cutting boards before reuse.
F.
Do not purchase or keep animals from unknown or smuggled sources.
G.
Avoid unnecessary visits to slaughterhouses, poultry farms, or live poultry/pig markets without protection.
H.
Maintain good personal hygiene habits, ensure a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise and rest, and maintain overall health.
I.
If symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, muscle aches, headache, or extreme fatigue occur, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly, informing the physician of relevant medical history, work details, animal contact history, and travel history to assist in diagnosis and reporting.
J.
Ensure good ventilation indoors.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2019/01/02

More Info

Dear Ms. Lin,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding possible exposure to avian influenza (bird flu) after consuming undercooked chicken. It's understandable to feel anxious after such an incident, especially given the potential severity of avian influenza. Let’s address your concerns step by step.

First, it’s important to clarify that while avian influenza can be serious, the risk of contracting the virus from undercooked poultry is relatively low, especially if the chicken was sourced from a reputable supplier and handled properly. The most common strains of avian influenza that affect humans are H5N1 and H7N9, and these typically require close contact with infected birds or their droppings. However, if you have consumed undercooked chicken, it is wise to monitor for any symptoms.

The incubation period for avian influenza can indeed range from a few days to up to 17 days, as you mentioned. During this time, it is crucial to remain vigilant for any signs of illness. Symptoms of avian influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. If you develop any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Regarding your question about normal activities such as exercising and going to work, if you are feeling well and do not exhibit any symptoms, it is generally safe to continue your daily routine. However, if you start to feel unwell or notice any symptoms, it would be prudent to rest and avoid contact with others to prevent potential spread of any illness.

To mitigate the risk of severe infection should you contract avian influenza, here are some recommendations:
1. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet to support your immune system.

2. Monitor Your Health: Keep a close watch on any changes in your health. If you experience symptoms, document them and seek medical advice.

3. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling food. Use hand sanitizer if soap is not available.

4. Avoid Close Contact: If you do start to feel unwell, limit your contact with others to reduce the risk of spreading any potential infection.

5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have any concerns or develop symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend testing or preventive measures based on your specific situation.

6. Vaccination: While there is no specific vaccine for avian influenza available to the general public, staying up to date with seasonal flu vaccinations can help bolster your immune response.

In summary, if you are asymptomatic, you can continue with your normal activities while remaining vigilant. Should any symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Take care, and I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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