Bird flu is in the news on an almost daily basis. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza (bird flu) is being monitored in birds in most countries. At present, it affects birds and occasionally humans in very close contact with birds. It is a severe form of flu, killing birds in great numbers, but also 50% of the small number of people who have caught it from birds. Countries are planning their responses in case the bird flu mutates into a form that can be passed from human to human. It is assumed it would spread to humans more quickly, and around the world (ie, become pandemic), and be far more devastating if this mutation of the virus occurs.

With all the news coverage saying "it's not a case of if, but when" the pandemic occurs (whether it's the H5N1 strain or another variant), what practical steps can you take to prepare yourself and your family in the event the bird flu is transmitted between humans and reaches New Zealand? The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the College of Practice Nurses have put together some commonsense measures.

Advice to individuals and families

Doctors are worried about a strain of bird flu that may affect your district. Don't panic. Here are a few commonsense things you can do to lessen any risk.

Be prepared:

• Store food and water at home to last for one to two weeks, with bottles filled to the top
• Have a radio with spare batteries so you can hear public announcements
• Write the phone number of your GP in an obvious place - if you haven't got a GP, get one
• Hold adequate supplies of your regular medication
• Buy extra supplies of paracetamol (Panadol or similar) and fluids (don't give aspirin to children under 12).

Avoid getting sick if the pandemic arrives in New Zealand:

• Remember those good house-keeping tips you got from your grandmother - open your windows (if you can) to ventilate your home properly and maintain air flow
• Where possible, keep your distance from others, at least one metre is good to reduce the spread of this virus
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered. Tissues are best, and put the tissue straight in a rubbish bin
• Rigorous, frequent hand washing with soap and water will help, with good hand drying
• Use your own handtowel to thoroughly dry your hands - change these often, or consider using paper towels
• Alcohol rub is a a good option if washing your hands is not practical
• Stay away from groups. Schools may close to avoid spreading infection. Some workers may be advised to work from home, so your whole family may well be at home.

Managing illness:

• Most sick people may have to be looked after at home
• If you live alone, stay in regular phone contact with family and friends
• Remember to keep coughs and sneezes covered  
• Wash and dry your hands afterwards
• When nursing sick family you should use a mask, or use a tissue or even a clean cloth as a mask. If the mask gets wet it needs to be changed
• To reduce fever:  
• drink lots of fluids
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the directions on the label
• sponge bathe or take a tepid bath - don't 'wrap up warm'.

When to phone your doctor or primary health care nurse:

If you have recently returned from overseas (from an area known to or suspected of having avian flu) and are feeling unwell with symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches or muscle aches, call your general practice for advice. They will tell you what to do.

DO NOT VISIT YOUR DOCTOR'S SURGERY UNANNOUNCED

What about using medication?

There is currently no vaccine against bird flu. If you are interested in obtaining the anti-viral medication Tamiflu, talk to your GP. This medication is designed to help reduce your symptoms when you get sick. However, it may not work against this strain of pandemic influenza so do not rely on it as your only defence.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the College of Practice Nurses will continue, as we learn more, to update this advice.

For further information, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza

Original material provided by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the College of Practice Nurses, Update #1, 21 October 2005, edited by everybody.