Avian flu is a flu type that affects mostly birds. You might ask why people should be cautions with it. This flu can be transmitted from birds to people, which is quite dangerous. There is no such bird flu transmission like from one person to another. If some day this becomes possible, we will be in for a pandemic, so it is better to do something effective for protecting ourselves from the infection of avian flu.
About Avian/Bird Flu
Avian flu causes a respiratory illness in birds. It is evolved by such virus strain as H5N1. The infected birds die in several days. Birds’ saliva as well as droppings transmits the virus among other birds. Water ducks are the common virus transmitter and virus carrier. The affected duck pollute the whole body with water like the stream they pad in. The dead bird body contains the virus. If people and animals consume this flesh they get infected with the virus. But if exposed to the temperatures of seventy degree C for a second or so the virus is killed.
Actually 16 bird flu viruses exist. The H5N1 is extremely pathogenic. This means it can provoke serious diseases in people and the virus is very contagious in nature. This particular virus strain is transmitted from birds to people directly and by carrier animals such as cats and pigs.
Prevention
If there is a case of the flu virus outbreak in some region you should avoid contact with people living in that region. It is advised to take the flu shot annually. This will lower the risk of being affected by the flu. Try not to contact with farm products and poultry that is infected. Remove the infected birds’ droppings properly following all the precautions. Use gloves, masks, protective clothing if the flu breaks out.
Choosing a mask check if it fits your face and the nose bridge smugly. Do not use a mask for 6 hours and more. Discard it and use a new one if you are working in an infected zone for over 6 hours. Change a mask wash hands with a disinfectant, soap and water.
To remove viruses from the house, clean it with a vacuum cleaner, especially in the corners and the places where most often dust is collected. Use bleach and rubbing alcohol.
Here are the precautions for those who have livestock on their farms:
- Farm animals should water from separate water holes.
- You are to keep the animals apart to avoid the virus spread.
- Control the livestock for changes in behavior. Refer to the help of a vet if any abnormalities show up.
- Animals should feed from separate bowls.
- Avoid storing the chicken pens one over another.
If you follow these precautions, you will definitely protect yourself from catching the flu.