Most human novel/variant influenza A infections are thought to be the result from direct contact with infected animals.  Humans are thought to become infected with a novel/variant influenza A virus when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can occur when virus is in the air, via droplets or possibly dust, and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches a contaminated surface that has the virus on it then touches their mouth, eyes or nose.  The exact spread of novel/variant influenza A viruses is not completely understood. With the exception of novel 2009 H1N1 virus, the spread of novel/variant influenza A virus between humans has been limited. 

An illness compatible with influenza virus infection. Influenza usually comes on suddenly, one to four days after the virus enters the body, and may include these symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Muscle or body aches

Among children, otitis media, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. Some infected persons are asymptomatic.

People infected with swine influenza A viruses will exhibit symptoms similar to seasonal influenza. 

People infected with avian influenza A viruses may have a wide range of illness including mild respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis to lower respiratory tract disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. 

There are no vaccines for novel/variant influenza A viruses with the exception of influenza A H5N1. The United States federal government maintains a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine. The stockpiled vaccine could be used if a H5N1 virus begins transmitting easily from person to person.

Currently, the best way to prevent infection is to stay away from sick animals such as poultry or swine. Other activities that may be performed to prevent getting influenza include:

• Hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers,
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or your arm or sleeve,
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth,
• Avoiding close contact with persons who are ill,
• Staying home when you are ill, and
• Taking antiviral medications if prescribed by your doctor.
  • In certain situations (e.g., influenza outbreaks in settings like nursing homes), antiviral medications may be prescribed to high-risk individuals to prevent them from developing influenza illness after exposure to infected individuals. 

• Healthcare providers (HCPs), including Public Health and staff at healthcare facilities (HCFs), should use standard, contact, and airborne precautions when dealing with a suspected or confirmed case of infection with avian influenza, including a person under investigation (PUI) for avian/novel influenza.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be used by HCPs/HCFs includes gown, gloves, goggles, face shield, and N95 respirator or higher.
  • HCP must be fit tested for N95 masks.
• When the patient arrives at the HCF, the patient should be placed in airborne isolation (i.e., a negative pressure room or airborne isolation infection room [AIIR]).
  • When outside of the AIIR, patients should wear a facemask to contain secretions.
• Public health and the patient’s provider should notify the accepting HCF before the person under investigation (PUI) for avian/novel influenza arrives at the facility. 

Texas has had no cases of novel/variant influenza since 2009 when a new influenza A (H1N1) virus began circulating among the human population. This new influenza virus caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. Texas DSHS 2009 Pandemic Data. 

Novel/variant influenza cases are immediately reportable. 

All novel/variant influenza cases should be reported to the local health department or health service region. 

Several Texas laws (Tex. Health & Safety Code, Chapters 81, 84 and 87) require specific information regarding notifiable conditions be provided to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Health care providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and others are required to report patients who are suspected of having a notifiable condition (25 Tex. Admin. Code §97.2 ).