The bird flu virus is scary, yes, but your very capable of protecting yourself from contracting it. Here's everything you need to know about the bird flu virus.
What is the bird flu virus?
The bird flu virus is a virus that is spread mostly among birds. It is spread quickly in large bird populations and frequently causes death. That being said, humans do not usually get the bird flu virus. You can get the bird flu virus if you come in direct contact with a bird or bird excretions that are carrying the virus.
How contagious is it?
The bird flu virus is not very contagious from human to human. At least not yet. The bird flu virus is generally contracted and spread between and among birds, specifically poultry and migratory birds. Humans can only get the bird flu virus if they come in contact with an infected animal.
As of right now, the bird flu virus is not spread from human to human. However, scientists are concerned that the bird flu virus could reach a point where it's capable of spreading from human to human. This is because the bird flu virus is constantly changing and could very well tweak itself to a point where it can be spread between humans.
How do I know if I have contracted the bird flu virus?
The only way a human can really know for sure that they have the bird flu virus is if their doctor completes lab work that tests for the bird flu virus.
You might be experiencing some symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis of the bird flu virus if you have an achy body, have a fever or have a cough. If you do experience these symptoms, do not jump to conclusions as these are also common regular flu symptoms.
The bird flu virus also creates a gunky funk in human eyes and, if you have it, you might also have some respiratory problems that aren't generally associated with other types of flu.
How do I protect myself from the bird flu virus?
There's a number of things you can do to protect yourself from the bird flu virus. The first and most important thing to do is wear gloves and a mask when you are in contact with poultry and other migratory birds. This will protect you from the excretions that cause bird flu.
Also, wash your hands after dealing with poultry, pay attention to health warnings and get a vaccination that protects you against the bird flu virus if it's offered.
