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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 some precautions you can take to protect your family and yourself from the Bird Influenza: (1) Avoid contact with any animal that appears to be sick. (2) Wash your hands after coming in contact with any type of animal. (3) Make sure to thoroughly cook all meats and eggs before consuming. Wash any surfaces and utensils you will be using with soap and warm water. (4) Wash your hands before and after preparing food.

Although a vaccine against the H5N1 virus is currently under development, there isn’t one available right now so if you are traveling to places known to have had outbreaks of Avian Influenza, areas where livestock are likely to be found, for example, market places should be avoided at all costs.

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.

Understanding bird influenza is one way to help protect yourself and your family from the virus. You can find more information about Bird Influenza and even Swine Flu at http://thedoctorwithin.com.