Bird flu is a virus that infects wild birds, poultry, pigs and even humans. Here's everything you need to know about what is bird flu.

The virus

What is bird flu? Simply, bird flu is a virus that attacks the immune system. It's generally found in birds, which is how it got its name. bird flu is contracted through exposure to feces, saliva or other excretions that come from an animal that has contracted the disease.

What is bird flu and why is it common in birds? Bird flu is common in birds because they are migratory animals and large quantities of them travel and live together, which helps the virus spread. When a bird gets bird flu, the flu typically kills it very quickly. Bird flu can be transferred to humans if humans are exposed to an infected bird's excretions. Bird flu is not that common in humans, despite the fact that bird flu has been in the news repeatedly since 1997.

Bird flu symptoms

What is bird flu like when you actually get it? A person who gets bird flu will feel like they have a regular case of the flu. They'll have a fever, runny nose, cough and body aches. However, if your symptoms get worse and you start to feel the sickness travel into your chest and your respiratory system, you could have bird flu. Before you panic, keep in mind that bird flu is not passable between humans. Also, think of where you've been. If you haven't been around birds or open-air markets that sell birds, you shouldn’t panic. If you have been around birds or their excretions, you need to get in right away.

Bird flu prevention

What is bird flu prevention methods? There are several ways to protect yourself from bird flu. The first involves having just a little faith in your government. When there are bird flu outbreaks, the U.S. government has discussions with the countries that are having the outbreaks. For example, where there was an outbreak in China, the U.S. government and the Chinese government talked about how to proceed and it was decided that the government would stop importing Chinese poultry.

The second way to protect yourself is to avoid open-air markets and cook all poultry completely before you eat it. If you work with birds or around large groups of them in any capacity, make sure to wear gloves and a facemask when dealing with them. Also, wash your hands with antibacterial soap when you are finished and you will not have to find out what is bird flu.