If you are not exposed to the viruses that cause bird flu, you will be less likely to catch it.Most of the cases of bird flu in humans are caused by contact with poultry.Birds that have died from the virus are often covered with it.They will get bird flu if enough of the virus is in a person's eyes, nose, or mouth.If you fear you may have been exposed to bird flu, it is important to avoid exposure and closely monitor your health.
Step 1: Stay away from birds that are sick or dead.
All contact with birds that are dead or ill should be avoided.This applies to domestic and wild birds.Don't try to help a sick bird in the wild.If you come into contact with birds, wash your hands.Warm water and soap can be used with alcohol.Don't touch bird feces.If you step in bird feces while walking, you should clean your footwear with soap and water.
Step 2: If you see dead birds, report it.
Bird health is monitored by your government's health department or wildlife agency.Let the wildlife agency in your area know if you find a sick or dead bird.Large numbers of affected will prompt the agency to investigate and make sure there is no outbreak of bird flu.If you find dead birds together, this is important.You can be told to dispose of the bird's body.Don't touch the bird's body with bare hands.You can dispose of the body in your trash with plastic gloves or bags.Wrap the bird in a double plastic bag and put it into a brown bag.You can burn the dead animal if you are concerned about the source of the birds.
Step 3: Prepare poultry in a safe manner.
Ensure your health by handling and cooking poultry.Before and after it has been cooked, use different utensils.Before handling meat, wash your hands with warm water and soap.It is a good idea to serve meat that is still hot.Cutting boards and other items that came in contact with poultry should be cleaned with soap.Ensure poultry is cooked until it reaches at least 165 F.If you have any concerns about poultry in the country you are in, then you might want to avoid it.Look into vegetarian options or other safe meat choices.
Step 4: Eggs can be cooked until the yolk is firm.
If you eat eggs from a chicken that has bird flu, you are at risk of contracting it.The eggs should be cooked all the way through so that they are firm.Make sure to wash your hands after handling eggs as bird flu can be present on the surface of eggshells.
Step 5: If you notice signs of illness, watch closely.
If you have come in contact with birds that may have been exposed to bird flu, keep an eye out for signs of illness.Difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are some of the things that may be included in these.Certain types of avian flu can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, mental disarray, seizures, organ failure and death, so quick diagnosis and medical treatment is vital.
Step 6: If you have flu-like symptoms, take extreme precautions.
Do everything you can to help prevent the spread of the flu.If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose.You can wash your hand with warm water and soap.Avoid areas with a lot of people.Don't share dishware with others.
Step 7: Seek medical help.
You should see your doctor if you are worried about having avian flu.You can report your concerns to the first medical professional or receptionist.They will put you away from others and give you a mask to cover your mouth and nose.The CDC will be provided with the latest guidance about how to prevent the flu from spreading if you are diagnosed with avian flu.The World Health Organization will be notified about bird flu cases by the CDC.
Step 8: Take antiviral drugs if you want to.
Talk to your doctor if you want to take antiviral drugs.Drugs that are used to treat different types of flus can potentially keep you sick.There is a vaccine that protects against H5NI, a dangerous type of bird flu.It is unlikely that this vaccine will be used unless there is a significant outbreak of this virus.The vaccine won't prevent bird flu.
Step 9: You should wash your hands frequently.
Before handling chickens, wash your hands with warm water and soap.If it is at least 60% alcohol, you can use hand sanitizer.Clothes, gloves, and tools should be washed with soap.
Step 10: They should install a footbath outside.
Each time you enter or exit your chicken's enclosure, use a footbath.Footbaths can be filled with a Disinfectant designed for use on farms.When not in use, cover the footbath.The footbath can be placed on a slab of cement or a pallet.It will help reduce the amount of dirt you track into the bath.The footbath needs to be changed daily.The footbath is not for your feet.
Step 11: Chicken boots should be kept.
When you are in the chicken's enclosure, you should only use one pair of footwear.Don't use these footwear for anything else.Make sure you don't use anything that might come into contact with wild birds in the chickens' living area.Though boots are the greatest risk factor, this also includes clothing and equipment.
Step 12: Birds should not be allowed to get close.
Birds that are wild can transmit bird flu to chickens.Birds may try to visit your chickens if you live near a body of water.Birds are attracted to chicken feed.You can buy props to scare other birds.
Step 13: There are new chickens.
For 30 days, keep new birds away from your flock.Before exposing them to your other chickens, this is necessary.Keep the chickens away from the enclosure.Get new birds from reliable sources.
Step 14: Chicken feed can be stored safely.
The supplier of your chicken feed should keep it clean.If you keep the feed in containers, other birds, animals, and insects won't be able to get to it.Plastic bins work well.
Step 15: If you see any signs of illness, report it.
If your birds become sick or die unexpectedly, call your local wildlife agency.They can tell you how to proceed.You can reach out to a regional organization if you can't reach a local agency.
Step 16: Don't eat too much.
Don't eat anything with raw or undercooked poultry products.Do not eat meat that is still pink.Hard-cooked eggs do not have yolk sacs.Don't eat or drink anything that has animal's blood in it.Don't eat from street vendors.
Step 17: Good hygiene is practiced.
It's important to keep yourself clean to avoid catching the flu.You should wash your hands with soap and warm water.If soap isn't available, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand wash.Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.Don't spend time with poultry.Don't visit farms, markets, or other places where birds are raised.Don't touch birds that are dead or alive.
Step 18: If you are sick, see a doctor.
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if you become ill during your travels.If you become sick after traveling, you should see your doctor.If you had direct contact with birds that may have been affected by avian flu, this is important.Make sure you don't have avian flu by avoiding contact with other people.