How to Prevent Getting the Avian Flu
The avian flu, commonly known as the bird flu or H5N1, is a strain of influenza that has mutated in birds, making it acquirable by humans. The virus is present in infected bird blood, saliva and excrement. Symptoms of avian flu are the same as symptoms of most forms of influenza: chills, fever, aching and general malaise. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this virus and can potentially die from avian flu. There is no known cure, but there are many ways to prevent getting the avian flu.
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Instructions
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Avoid places that birds frequent. Bird baths, bird feeders, roofs and trees are common places where birds leave droppings or saliva. You may inadvertently infect yourself with avian flu by touching these objects and then touching your mouth. Avoid direct contact with wild birds, as there is no way to tell if these birds are infected with avian flu.
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Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Wash your hands in hot water with soap for at least 30 seconds. Pay special attention to the area under your fingernails, and don't neglect your forearms. This method of hand washing gets the virus off your skin.
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Wear a surgical mask if you are going to the hospital or another place where there have been confirmed avian flu diagnoses. This prevents you from inhaling the virus in the air.
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If you plan to travel, check for avian flu outbreaks in your destination before you go. The World Animal Health Interface Database tracks avian flu outbreaks globally and maintains an accurate map. The WAHID map also shows if an outbreak is ongoing or resolved and if it occurred in the wild or domestically.
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Avoid antibiotic soaps. They do not help viral infections, such as avian flu. Any unwarranted antibiotic use can cause your body to become less resistant to bacterial infection.
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Tips & Warnings
Teach children how to appropriately wash their hands, and don't forget to wash babies' hands also. The CDC is required to inform the public about any cases of a virus jumping from strictly animal to animal-human contamination.
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- Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:H5N1_virions_108,000x.jpg
