The incubation period for H5N1 avian influenza may be longer than that for normal seasonal influenza, which is around two to three days. Current data indicate an incubation period of two to eight days, and possibly as long as 17 days.
Health authorities will ask the public to voluntarily isolate any ill persons. The goal is to reduce transmission by reducing contact between persons who are ill and those who are not. Ill persons not requiring hospitalization will be requested to remain at home for the infectious period, approximately 7-10 days after onset of symptoms. This would usually be in their homes, but could be in a home of a friend or relative. Special consideration should be made for persons who live alone, as many of these individuals may be unable to care for themselves if ill.
Health authorities will also ask the members of an ill person’s family to voluntarily quarantine themselves from the ill household member. The goal is to reduce transmission from members of households in which there is an ill person. Members of households in which there is an ill person may be at increased risk of becoming infected with a pandemic influenza virus. Some of these persons may shed virus and present a risk of infection others in the community despite having no symptoms of their own. Thus, members of house holds with ill individuals may be recommended to stay home for an incubation period, 7 days following the time of symptom onset in the household member. If other family members become ill during this period, the recommendation is to extend the time of voluntary home quarantine for another incubation period, 7 days from the time that the last family member becomes ill.
Seniors
