Is the influenza vaccine effective against avian flu?
Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious disease affecting animals. Caused by influenza A viruses, it concerns mostly birds and, less often, pigs and other animals. Avian influenza viruses may be transmitted to humans – even if it is extremely rare – but no case of person-to-person transmission has been strictly confirmed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), available influenza vaccines do not protect against avian flu but can prevent the appearance of a new virus which could occur if an unvaccinated human was to be infected by both human and avian influenza viruses.
