Bird Influenza: How To Protect Yourself

Also familiar to us as Avian Influenza, Bird Influenza is a cluster of various viruses affecting birds. Whilst some of these viruses cause no sickness whatsoever, unfortunately others do and may result in the death of the birds. Chickens and poultry of other kinds are being infected all over the world by one particular strain of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 and in several cases these domesticated birds have, in turn, passed on the infection to people coming into contact with them. The people have become extremely sick and around 50% of them have actually died as a result of the disease.

There is currently no sign of this severe form of Bird Influenza in the United States but Health Officials are keeping a close watch. One of the most important details you need to be aware of is the people that have gotten sick were in close contact with poultry. If you do have contact with birds avoid touching them with your bare hands and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Since both human and bird influenza are ever changing there is a big concern that H5N1 can mutate into a strand that will transfer from birds to humans and then from humans to humans. If this were to occur there can be what is known as an influenza pandemic.

There are several methods of protection that can be used to safeguard you and your family from Bird Influenza and some of these are listed below. (1) If animals appear to be sick, contact should be avoided as much as possible. (2) After coming into contact with any animal you should always thoroughly wash your hands. (3) Meat produce and eggs need to be properly cooked and any utensils and work surfaces used whilst preparing food should be cleaned with warm soapy water before and afterwards. (4) Your hands should be washed before preparing food.

At this point in time there isn’t a vaccine for the H5N1 virus, although the process of vaccine development is currently under way. If you are intending to visit a country where there have been known cases of Avian Influenza, places where livestock can be found should be avoided.

Check up on any relevant travel information prior to setting off on your trip to another country. Most importantly, make sure you don’t touch surfaces where poultry or other animal feces may have been present.

Bird Influenza is caused by another influenza-type virus from birds. Make sure you take some extra precautions for your own bird influenza protection.

Other health-related post:
What Can Be Done With Leaky Gut?