FAQs

  1. Is there a bird flu vaccination if so how much and where and when can I get it?

    No vaccine for avian influenza (bird flu) is currently available, although researchers around the world, including in Australia, are working to develop one. It is not known at this stage when a vaccine will be available.

    See Medical Information for more information on vaccine development and treatment options.

  2. What is the risk to me of the bird flu that has been found in overseas countries?

    The risk of infection for people traveling to areas affected by avian influenza is currently considered low. However travellers to risk areas should avoid visiting farms and live bird markets, only eat well cooked food and maintain good hygiene, particularly frequent hand washing.

    See also Overseas Travel and Fact sheets.

  3. How can I protect myself from bird flu?

    People living, working or holidaying in countries with avian influenza should:

    • Avoid areas with live poultry and pigs, such as live animal markets and poultry farms.
    • Strictly observe the rules of eating and drinking safely, particularly frequent hand washing.
    • Eat only well cooked food.
    • Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop respiratory symptoms.

    Prior to travel ask your doctor or travel health specialist about having a flu vaccination and other possible flu medication you should take with you.

  4. Will the current influenza vaccine protect me against avian influenza?

    No. The current vaccine for human influenza does not prevent avian influenza infection in people. However, in countries overseas, people exposed to bird flu will be immunised to protect them from human strains of influenza, to help prevent the emergence of a mixed human/avian influenza virus.

  5. Is there treatment for avian influenza in humans?

    The current anti-viral treatments, which are used successfully in the treatment of influenza, would be used in the treatment of avian influenza.

  6. Is avian influenza everywhere in the world?

    There have been outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry reported in many parts of the world, including outbreaks in Asia, Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany) and the USA. Not all outbreaks are as severe as the current outbreak in Asia. WHO is working to support national disease authorities in their investigations in countries with the current outbreak.

    Avian influenza in birds was first identified in 1901. The first documented infection of humans with an avian influenza virus occurred in Hong Kong in 1997.

  7. How can I find out more information?

    The majority of information is available on websites throughout the world. If you do not have access to the internet, visit your local library or an internet café. Sites such as the World Health Organization, the Department of Health and Ageing, the World Animal Health Organisation and the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have links to many other sites around the world that provide information about avian influenza.

Other relevant websites:

Visit the following Australian Government websites:

See also our advice for Overseas Travellers and our Fact Sheets, or visit: