The avian flu, or "bird flu," is the H5N1 virus found commonly in wild birds and domesticated fowl. The disease is highly contagious among birds but, according to the CDC, relatively rare in humans. Most cases of infection in humans have resulted from direct exposure with H5N1-infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. The avian flu has symptoms similar to human strains of the flu. The U.S. government is stockpiling H5N1 vaccine in the event of an outbreak, but there is currently no vaccine on the retail market. You can prevent getting the disease through rather simple means.
Step 1
Take care with traveling, especially to areas such as Southeast Asia where there have been known bird flu outbreaks. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you avoid open-air markets and domesticated birds, and consider getting a flu shot before traveling to such locations. The shot will not prevent bird flu but they can reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with avian and human viruses.
Step 2
Wash your hands after handling birds and bird materials. This includes eggs, raw poultry and bird waste products. Frequent hand washing reduces the risk of spreading the disease and of exposing yourself by inadvertently touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Use wet wipes and hand sanitizer when you are unable to fully wash your hands.
Step 3
Wear a face mask in heavily bird-populated areas and when handling birds. As dried bird feces may become airborne, the mask protects you from possibly inhaling viral particles. A mask also provides protection in close quarters with other humans.
Step 4
Avoid eating raw eggs and raw egg products. Egg shells are often exposed to bird feces and may contain traces of the virus, which can then contaminate the inside of the egg. Avoid using egg shells for coffee brewing, as the water used for brewing may not be hot enough to kill the virus.
Step 5
Cook poultry thoroughly. Heat destroys avian viruses, so cooked poultry is not considered a health threat. Be sure to wash your hands before handling cooked poultry to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 6
Stay away from sick people. The flu is contagious, and close contact with the sick can expose you to the virus despite your best efforts.
Things You'll Need
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
