Avian Influenza Guidance and Algorithms

Avian influenza is still considered a threat, particularly H5N1 and algorithms have been developed to reflect this. However, they are flexible enough to be used should another event capable of causing human disease be identified.

Avian Influenza Standard Operating Procedure

The HPA avian influenza standard operating procedures should be referred to in the first instance

Guidance for Health Protection Units on dealing with human health implications of avian influenza in poultry and wild birds (PDF, 367 KB)

Travel advice

Advice for travellers and useful links for clincians is available at: Travel Advice Page.

Algorithms

Agorithms have been developed to assist in the management of:

suspected or confirmed human cases of avian influenza
contacts of confirmed human cases
people exposed to poultry or other birds where avian influenza is suspected or confirmed.

Occupational guidance is also provided for those involved in the response to an avian influenza incident.

Please contact your local Health Protection Unit for advice and support, particularly in situations which do are outside the scope of the algorithms.

Cases: Management of suspected or confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/H5N1

Case management of suspected human case (PDF, 305 KB)

This algorithm helps manage the initial assessment of suspected human cases of avian influenza. Advice is provided on infection control measures, the investigation and the reporting mechanisms to be used.

Cases: Reporting

HPA case report form for suspected human cases of avian influenza (PDF, 44 KB)

Please report all suspected human cases of avian influenza using the form above.

Cases: Management of contacts of human cases of avian influenza A/H5N1

Algorithm and management of contacts of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/H5N1 (PDF, 25 KB)

Occupational Health: For those responding to a suspected or confirmed avian influenza incident

Occupational Guidance (PDF, 80 KB)

This guidance helps address occupational health issues that may arise during an avian influenza incident.

Exposure: Management of people exposed to birds where avian influenza is suspected or confirmed

Management of people exposed to birds where avian influenza is suspected/confirmed and who have not used PPE at the time of exposure (PDF, 72 KB)

Laboratory Guidance

Last reviewed: 20 April 2012