What is the bird flu virus H5N1, and will it turn into a flu pandemic?
The H5N1 virus is a bird flu virus now spreading through birds in much of the world. The H5N1 virus rarely infects humans, but it has. Most of those who have been infected by H5N1 likely got it from direct contact with infected birds. People with H5N1 have become very sick, and about half have died. No one knows if the H5N1 virus will change so that it can spread easily among people, but eventually some bird flu virus will change and could cause a pandemic. Even if birds bring the H5N1 virus to Larimer County, and a few people get sick, it does not mean that a flu pandemic has started. How do we protect ourselves if a flu pandemic happens? Start preparing now. Review for yourself and teach your children ways to prevent spreading germs (cover your cough, wash your hands, stay home when sick and get a seasonal flu shot). Be prepared for disruption of essential services. Gather food, water and other critical supplies and equipment before a pandemic starts. Use reliable information sources
