What is the current level of threat of a pandemic occurring?

The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a series of six phases as a system for informing the world of the seriousness of the threat and of the need to launch progressively more intense preparedness activities. The designation of phases, including decisions on when to move from one phase to another, is made by the Director-General of WHO.

Each phase of alert coincides with a series of recommended activities to be undertaken by WHO, the international community, governments, and industry. Changes from one phase to another are triggered by several factors, which include the epidemiological behaviour of the disease and the characteristics of circulating viruses.

The world is presently in phase 3, which means that a new influenza virus subtype is causing disease in humans but is not yet spreading efficiently and sustainably among humans.

An explanation of each phase and the current progress of avian influenza can be monitored at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html.

Does a vaccine exist to prevent the contraction of avian influenza?

A vaccine for avian influenza A (H5N1) is not currently available. However, an anti-viral medication, called Tamiflue (oseltamavir), may be effective in treating infection with the H5N1 virus.

Should I begin taking antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, if I am planning to visit regions already affected by avian influenza A (H5N1)?

Travellers to any country with reported cases of H5N1 among birds or humans should consider scheduling an appointment with their health-care provider before leaving Canada. The risk of exposure to the virus and the decision to take a drug, such as Tamiflu, that has not yet been proven to prevent human H5N1 infections must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Only you and your health-care provider can determine that risk and the most appropriate precautions for you.

Further information on the role of vaccines and antivirals is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Web site.

Why is the Government of Canada not providing Tamiflu to private Canadian citizens overseas?

There is no provision or legal authority that allows the Government of Canada to provide Canadian citizens travelling or living abroad with medication, even in the event of a pandemic. Since Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas, Canadian citizens travelling or living abroad who are interested in obtaining this medication should consult with their physician.

Will the Government of Canada evacuate Canadian citizens in the event of a pandemic?

A "stay in place" response to a pandemic may be appropriate in certain countries or regions. As such, people would be advised to avoid social contact where transmission of avian influenza A (H5N1) could occur. Canadians who are not comfortable with these possible circumstances should take them into account when making travel plans.

What precautions should I take when consuming foods in affected regions?

Proper cooking of poultry will destroy the virus. There has been no reported human case of avian influenza contracted from consumption of well-cooked poultry or eggs. Both humans and animals have contracted avian influenza from eating undercooked poultry products. Careful handling of raw poultry meat and thorough cooking of poultry products are recommended to lower the risk of common bacterial diseases. Eggs from infected poultry could also be contaminated with the virus. Therefore, care should be taken when handling eggs or raw-egg products.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides up-to-date information on food safety issues associated with avian influenza A (H5N1).

What other measures should travellers take when visiting countries affected by avian influenza A (H5N1)?

Travellers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. For more travel recommendations, visit the Web site of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program.

Should I be wearing a mask in areas known to have avian influenza?

Wearing a mask is not a guarantee against infection, and ordinary dust masks are ineffective. Should you choose to wear a mask, the Public Health Agency of Canada states: "The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan recommends the use of surgical masks and eye protection when a health care worker is caring for a patient with influenza. In a face to face meeting with someone who potentially has the flu the worker should don a surgical mask with eye protection.