Pandemic Influenza Information
What's New
maineflu.gov
Maine Summit for Substate Pandemic Influenza
Planning: Related Documents and Summit Outcomes
- Pandemic Influenza Scenario for 12/14 Conference Word*
|
PDF*
- Pan Flu Agenda: Word* |
PDF*
- Evaluation Form: Word* |
PDF*
- Pan Flu Ballot: Word* |
PDF*
- Pandemic Influenza Summit Evaluation 2005 Word*
|
PDF*
- Statewide Breakout Word* |
PDF*
- Summit: Aroostook Summary Word* |
PDF*
- Summit: Androscoggin-Franklin-Oxford Summary Word*
|
PDF*
- Summit: Hancock-Washington-Penobscot-Piscataquis Summary Word *
|
PDF*
- Summit: Kennebec-Somerset Summary Word*
PDF*
- Summit: Knox-Waldo-Lincoln Summary Word*
PDF*
- Summit: York-Cumberland-Sagadahoc Summary Word*
|
PDF*
- Summit: General Summary Word* |
PDF*
*For a free viewer or to request a hard
copy
Pandemic Influenza Information
Welcome to the Maine Health and Human Services Public Health Pandemic Influenza web site. Public
Health is committed to providing healthcare providers and the residents of the State of Maine with
information related to concerns about a possible influenza pandemic.
Health and Human Services' Public Health is leading a number of preparedness efforts designed to
ensure that Maine is prepared to implement an effective response before a pandemic arrives and throughout
a response if an outbreak occurs. Maine's preparedness and response components are consistent with
international and federal guidelines as well as general principles of emergency response.
Maine Frequently Asked Questions on Avian and Pandemic Influenza - November 2005
What is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)?
Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses, normally a subtype of
a type A influenza virus. Occurring naturally among birds, these viruses are often carried by wild
birds in their intestines, causing few if any symptoms. However, they can cause some domestic birds,
including chickens, to be very ill and even die. Although bird flu viruses do not usually infect
humans, occasionally some strains can. Symptoms of bird flu in humans depend on the subtype and strain
of bird flu, but can range from conjunctivitis to typical flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory
disease and sometimes even death. For more information (FMI), visit www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/ 
or
www.usda.gov/birdflu
How are bird flu viruses different from human flu viruses?
There are different subtypes of influenza A viruses, based on viral surface
proteins. The hemagglutinin or “HA” protein and the neuraminidase or “NA” protein are responsible for
the “H” and “N” designations, respectively. Each combination of HA and NA
proteins result in a different subtype. Within each subtype there are different strains. Although
all known subtypes can be found in birds, those that are referred to as “bird flu” viruses
are those that are chiefly found in birds. Likewise, when a subtype is referred to as a “human
flu” virus, is it one that occurs widely in humans. There are only three known major influenza
A subtypes of human flu viruses – H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. Within each of these
subtypes are often numerous strains.
What is Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus?
Influenza A (H5N1) virus, also called H5N1 virus, is an avian flu subtype that has been known to
circulate among birds since 1961. Although it does not normally infect humans, since 1997 several
dozen people have been identified as infected with H5N1. These infections have been associated with
H5N1 outbreaks among poultry in Asia and with high human mortality rates. Limited person-to-person
spread has also occurred.
What is the relationship between H5N1 and a possible pandemic?
Because all influenza viruses have the ability to easily mutate, scientists are concerned that
the H5N1 virus one day could change to more easily spread from one person to another. Since there
is little or no immune protection against H5N1 in humans, if the virus were able to infect people
and easily spread from person to person, an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could
begin. However, no one can predict when a pandemic might occur, or how severe it may be. FMI, visit
www.cdc.gov/flu .
Has H5N1 been seen in the U.S.?
The strain of H5N1 found currently in Asia and Europe has not been found in the U.S., and there
have been no human cases in the U.S.
What type of surveillance for H5N1 exists in Maine?
Currently, the Maine Department of Agriculture actively tests domestic birds such as poultry flocks
for bird flu strains, including H5N1. No H5N1 has been detected. Additionally, every flu season,
the Bureau of Health/Maine CDC tests a variety of samples of influenza virus from infected people
for subtyping and strain identification as part of CDC and WHO worldwide influenza surveillance.
Again, no H5N1 has been detected through this mechanism in the U.S.
What about traveling to affected areas of Asia and Europe?
Although there are currently no travel restriction to affected countries, travelers to countries
with known outbreaks of influenza A (H5N1) are recommended to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals
in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear contaminated with animal feces. Updated recommendations
can be found at www.cdc.gov/travel .
Is there a vaccine against H5N1?
There is currently no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against H5N1 virus that
is being seen in Asia and Europe. However, vaccine development and testing is taking place in the
U.S. FMI, visit http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2005/H5N1QandA.htm .
What about this year’s influenza vaccine?
This year’s trivalent vaccines, including injectable (inactivated)
and the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV or nasal spray vaccine), reflect
specific strains within the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes of influenza A, and a type B influenza
strain (type B influenza is not subtyped). Immunity to the surface antigens, especially
the hemagglutinins, reduces the likelihood of infection and severe disease if exposure
occurs.
What about anti-viral medications?
Some antiviral drugs are an adjunct for treatment and/or prevention of influenza. Amantadine and
rimantadine, known as the adamantanes, normally show activity against influenza A viruses, but not
influenza B viruses. Zanamivir and oseltamivir, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, normally show
activity against both influenza A and B viruses. Tests indicate the H5N1 strains seen in Asia are
resistant to adamantanes. It is unclear how effective the neuraminidase inhibitors are against this
infection.
Should people stockpile anti-viral medications?
We strongly discourage personal stockpiling of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) because:
- There has been no sustained person-to-person transmission in Asia of the avian H5N1 influenza
virus;
- There is no H5N1 in U.S. or North American poultry;
- Supplies of these medications are limited and should go to persons who will need it for the
regular influenza this season;
- The U.S. pandemic influenza plan recommends using them for priority groups rather than personal
stockpiles; and
- Inappropriate use may lead to resistance.
We ask that physicians do not provide prescriptions for antivirals for personal stockpiling, as
these medications should be reserved for the treatment of patients during this upcoming influenza
season. There is some national stockpiling of antiviral medications through the Strategic National
Stockpile that Maine participates in.
When will the next pandemic flu occur and how severe will it be?
One thing that is predictable about influenza is its unpredictability. No
one knows exactly when the next pandemic (worldwide) flu outbreak will occur and
how severe it will be. The last very severe pandemic was the Spanish flu in 1918-1919
that was caused by an avian strain of H1N1. It is estimated that 5,000 people died
in Maine as a result of this pandemic. Nearly half of those who died in the U.S.
were young, healthy adults, many of whom died within the first few hours of becoming
ill. However, the vast majority (over ¾ million) of people in Maine survived
this pandemic, despite the lack of modern medicine. Basic hygiene measures and care
at home often helped people to survive. Those measures can assist us today as well.
What will life be like during a pandemic of influenza?
No one can predict how a pandemic will affect us, but it will most likely last longer than other
public health emergencies (months vs days); a number of health care workers and first responders
available to work will be reduced because of illness or needing to care for family members; and basic
resources could be limited.
Possible examples include: given the high level of global travel, a pandemic virus may spread very
quickly, leaving little time to prepare; medical supplies may be in short supply and unevenly distributed;
there may be no vaccine for several months; medical facilities may be quickly overwhelmed; illness
and panic may result in sudden shortages of personnel to provide community services such as health
care and public safety; some workplaces and schools may be closed; and large gatherings may be banned.
As a result of these conditions, people who have been exposed to the virus may be asked to stay
home. Those who are ill may be asked to stay home and be cared for by family members.
What can all of us do to prepare for a possible pandemic of influenza?
- Hygiene: Practice and assure others practice Basic Hygiene
Strategies of: frequent hand-washing; covering coughs and sneezes with sleeves or
tissue; and staying home when will. These strategies will help stop the spread of
harmful germs.
- Home Emergency Kit: Prepare a Home Emergency Kit that has at least
3-5 days of food, basic emergency supplies, plus rehydration fluids and fever-reducing medications.
This kit will prepare a family for many types of emergencies, including possible home isolation
and care for flu.
FMI visit: www.ready.gov/get_a_kit.html
or www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html or
www.fema.gov/rrr/prep2.shtm
- Stay Connected: It is important to be able to stay connected in multiple
ways, such as by email and phone, with one’s family, friends, and neighbors during an emergency,
especially with those who are more vulnerable – those with low income, seniors, etc.
What is Maine doing to prepare for a possible pandemic?
Pandemic preparedness has been a priority at the Bureau of Health/Maine CDC
for years. Federal public health emergency preparedness funds that were distributed
to states after September 2001 increased Maine’s ability to prepare for a pandemic. As a result, our early detection, communication,
and response systems have greatly improved. However, recent Federal cutbacks in these funds are limiting
our ability to expand these efforts. Maine’s statewide Pandemic Influenza Response
Plan was revised earlier this year, and can be found at www.mainepublichealth.gov.
Currently, we and other state agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Maine
Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Maine Emergency Medical Services (Maine EMS)
are working to increase active surveillance of avian flu, expand the state’s
pandemic response plan, and facilitate sub-state preparedness efforts.
Resources
- For information on obtaining influenza vaccine, call the Maine Immunization Program at 1-800-867-4775.
- To report an outbreak of influenza or other reportable infectious disease or for Medical Epidemiology
consultation, call the 24-hour Reportable Disease Line at 1-800-821-5821.
Questions and answers Word* (*free
viewer)
Questions and answers PDF* (*free
viewer)
