How To Avoid Bird Flu

The following information is designed to help you avoid pandemic flu. Following this advice will reduce the risk of contracting Flu but will not eliminate the risk completely.

Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. 1

Stay Healthy.

Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs.

Make good hygiene a habit.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Put used tissues in a waste basket.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser.
Stay at home if you are sick.

It is always a good idea to practice good health habits.

Eat a balanced diet.
Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products.
Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans.
Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.
Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest. 2

When a pandemic strikes, it may not be possible to totally eliminate the risk of infection. However, you can reduce the risk considerably if you are prepared for the following measures and adhere to them.

Step up hygienic practices like washing hands and keeping the environment clean and maintain good ventilation.
Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places.
Wear a mask if you develop flu-like symptoms, when caring for the sick, and when visiting hospitals and/or clinics.
Watch out for the latest situation of the influenza pandemic and further announcements from the government.
Pay attention to and comply with guidelines issued by the government with respect to travelling, port health control and suspension of public events as needs arise. 3

How do you wash your hand properly?

Follow these steps for proper hand hygiene:

  1. Wet hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap.
  2. Rub hands vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces and fingers.
  3. Scrub nails by rubbing them against the palms of your hands.
  4. Rinse your hands with water.
  5. Dry your hand thoroughly with a paper towel and use it to turn the tap off. A shared towel will spread germs. 4

Washing your hand properly will help you to avoid bird flu

 

Can I be protected against avian influenza by having influenza vaccination?

Influenza vaccine cannot prevent avian influenza, as the vaccine is specific for human influenza. The vaccine can help reduce the chance of complications and hospitalisation resulting from human influenza. Hence, influenza vaccination is recommended for the elderly and patients with chronic cardiac or respiratory diseases.

Influenza vaccine can also reduce the chance of genetic re-assortment and subsequent emergence of influenza strain with pandemic potential. People should seek medical advice if they are considering getting the vaccination. At present, scientists are actively doing research on avian influenza vaccines for use in humans, but none has become widely available commercially. 3

Should I ask my doctor to purchase Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and keep it in his clinic for me, in case I come down with pandemic flu?

Whether a doctor prescribes antiviral drugs to a patient will depend on the circumstances and health needs of the patient, taking into consideration the presence of any contraindication and balancing the benefits of taking the anti-viral drugs against the possible adverse side effects. Indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs may give rise to drug resistance. 3

Can I take Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) as prophylaxis?

For prophylaxis, its effectiveness lasts as long as the drugs are being taken and ceases once the drugs are stopped. Self-medication is not encouraged because of potential side effects and possibility of emergence of antiviral resistance. Prophylaxis should be prescribed by registered doctors. 3

Click here for products to help you combat the risk of Pandemic Bird Flu

 

References

  1. http://www.town.needham.ma.us/BOH/Documents/BOHBirdsPandemicsAndProtectingYourself2006_0404.pdf
  2. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html#prepared
  3. http://www.chp.gov.hk/faq_dtl.asp?lang=en&faq_id=4407&id=117
  4. http://www.co.franklin.oh.us/Board_of_Health/pandemic_flu_home_care_brochure.pdf

 

All information supplied here is done so freely and Adveticus Limited takes no responsibility for the outcome if any or all of this advice is taken. All advice used from these pages is at your own risk.