What are the safety measures for flu and avian flu?

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by avian influenza (flu) type A viruses. These viruses naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds globally and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. While these viruses typically do not infect humans, rare human infections have been reported. The most common causes of severe bird flu worldwide are the Asian lineage H7N9 and highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses. Infected birds shed the flu virus through saliva, mucus, and feces. Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose, mouth, or respiratory tract through airborne transmission (droplets or dust) or by touching contaminated surfaces and the face.

I suggest the following for the prevention of avian flu:

1. Please avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them from afar.

2. Avoid unprotected contact with sick-looking or dead domestic birds (poultry).

3. Be aware that wild birds can carry avian influenza A even without showing signs of illness.

4. Avoid touching surfaces contaminated with bird flu virus.

5. Change clothes before handling healthy domestic poultry or interacting with wild birds, dispose of gloves and face masks, and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Follow the general protective measures suggested below:

1. Use protective equipment like gloves, an N95 respirator, a well-fitting facemask, and eye protection.

2. Avoid touching the face after contact with birds or contaminated surfaces.

3. Practice hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water after touching birds.

These measures are reminiscent of those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I suggest you receive a seasonal flu vaccine annually, approximately two weeks before potential exposure, especially for those with potential exposure to sick birds. While this would not prevent bird flu infection, it can reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and bird flu viruses. Seasonal flu vaccines, such as FluQuadri (Sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, water for injection, and traces of ovalbumin (egg protein), Octoxinol-9, and Formaldehyde), protect against various influenza infections.

I suggest the following treatment plan:

1. Antiviral medicines like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) are available for treatment.

2. Antihistamines, such as Levocetirizine, can alleviate symptoms.

3. Antipyretics like Acetaminophen can reduce fever and should be used when the body temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Consult your doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

4. I suggest consulting a doctor promptly if you experience symptoms like a cold, fever, sneezing, a runny or congested nose, and body aches.

I hope this helps.

Revert in case of other queries.

Thank you.