How to Raise Awareness About the Bird Flu

Though disease control experts warn against the possibility of an impending epidemic, awareness of the potential gravity of the spread of the bird flu remains low. While human-to-human transmission of the virus remains rare, the avian influenza virus shows strong resistance and mutability. If you want to help raise awareness about the bird flu, there are several options you can pursue. Read on to learn how to raise awareness about the bird flu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Talk to your physician to see if she can recommend you to any local organizations that are concerned with the fight against infectious diseases. As a result of the increasing visibility of the bird flu in North America, avian influenza is making its way onto more and more agendas of interest groups.
2. Seek out organizations that are committed to improving the quality of life in poorer areas of the world where influenza outbreaks are common, such as China and Southeast Asia. UNICEF, for example, is becoming a vocal participant in the drive to raise awareness and help regions affected by avian influenza outbreaks.
3. Join an online forum where you can connect with other concerned parties who want to raise awareness for the bird flu. The Bird Flu Breaking News website offers message boards where people committed to the fight against avian influenza can find each other. See the Resources section below for a link.
4. Contact your local branch of the American Red Cross to see if they are spearheading any initiatives to raise awareness of the bird flu. See the Resources section below for a link. Remember, the Red Cross does more than just maintain blood banks--they also foster emergency preparedness. With the looming possibility of a bird flu epidemic, you might find opportunities to help raise awareness through them.
5. Know that there are Internet-based organizations committed to educating the public about the dangers of the bird flu. CARE recently launched a bird flu awareness campaign in Vietnam, and the Avian Flu Awareness website has no concern other than what is suggested by its name. These are good organizations to contact.

Tips & Warnings

• The avian flu links pages on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website can help you find organizations that fight to raise awareness for the bird flu. See the Resources section below for a link. The CDC is a good place to find ways to get more involved.