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How To Protect Yourself From Bird Flu Or Avian Flu?

By Raj | Jan 24, 2008

We have discussed ways to prevent dengue and chikungunya. In this post let’s see how to protect yourself from bird flu or avian flu which is the hottest topic of discussion in the Asian countries for a while now. Why is it of great concern or worry? It’s because if the virus that’s causing the flu affects human being and adapts itself to live inside human being, chances are that it can turn into a pandemic disease killing several people.

How To Protect Yourself From Bird Flu Or Avian Flu?That’s why health officers are taking immediate action to destroy those poultry that have been affected with the disease or the poultry in the epidemic area irrespective of whether being infected or not, so that they can prevent avian flu and contain the disease from spreading either to other birds or to human beings. Find below the facts and precautions to prevent bird flu and to protect yourself from getting infected by bird flu/avian flu.

What is avian influenza or avian flu or bird flu?

  • Bird flu is a respiratory infection caused by avian (bird) influenza A viruses, sub type H5N1.
  • This flu virus can affect domestic and wild bird species including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, gulls, shorebirds.
  • Human to human transmission as of now is rare. (Transmission rates can go high if the virus adapts itself to humans).

Facts about flu:

Seasonal Flu

Bird Flu

Flu Pandemic

How is it caused?

Flu virus

Bird Flu Virus (H5N1)

New type of flu virus

Who is affected?

Human

Birds but can spread to human

Human

How is it spread among human?

Coughing, sneezing, touching objects contaminated with saliva or nasal discharge

Usually through close contact with infected birds

Like seasonal flu

Is it dangerous?

Usually not for healthy adults and children

Yes, about 50% of infected humans have died

Yes due to large numbers of people affected

The symptoms of various types of flu are similar which include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose

Some patients such as the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of suffering from complications of flu. Bird flu can be more severe. It can be complicated by eye infections, pneumonia and breathlessness. The risk of death is higher.

Protecting yourself against the flu pandemic:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth and after going to the toilet. (Similar tip as we discussed in parasites like pinworm and roundworm and deworming).
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wear a surgical mask if you are unwell.
  • See a doctor if you are feeling unwell.
  • Do not go to work when you are ill.
  • When sharing food at meal time, use a serving spoon.

Be careful when you travel overseas

  • Check with your doctor if any vaccinations are required.
  • If you are traveling to a country affected by bird flu; avoid visiting poultry farms and markets; contact with chickens, ducks, pigeons and wild birds; handling or eating raw or uncooked poultry and eggs; contact with anyone who appears unwell.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

  • Eat a balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Do 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.
  • Have enough sleep and rest. Keep stress level low.
  • Do not smoke.
  • (Whew! These tips got into our New Year Diet and Health Care Resolutions too).

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Tags: importance washing hands, prevent avian flu, prevent bird flu

2 Responses to “How To Protect Yourself From Bird Flu Or Avian Flu?”

  • Helene Zemel on February 22nd, 2008, at 10:35 am said:

    Very informative post. There is some thought that the deadly 1918 flu pandemic might have been a bird flu.

    [Reply]

  • Share your thoughts in this regard. (Conforming to Comments Policy.)

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