What is the bird flu and how do you know if you have it?
A quick overview
What is the bird flu? The bird flu is a type of flu virus that affects birds and is particularly common in poultry. The bird flu virus works in the same way that the flu virus that spreads around offices and schools works. When a bird contracts the virus, it becomes lethargic and often has leaky stuff come out of its eyes. Unfortunately because birds can't tell humans how they're feeling, the bird flu virus often kills the bird before it's even detected.
Bird flu and humans
The bird flu virus can affect humans, but it's not that common. What is the bird flu doing to a human body and how is it detected? Well, the bird flu attacks a human in the same way it attracts poultry. It's a virus that sneaks into a human's body and then attacks the immune system. Humans generally feel like they're getting a normal case of the flu. They feel achy, tired and sore. However, unlike the flu that we're used to getting, the bird flu attacks the respiratory system. So, if you have flu like symptoms that turn into a burning chest cold, get to the doctor immediately. Before you go to the doctor, you should call and tell them if you think you've been exposed to the bird flu.
How do I know if I've been exposed?
First, let's get rid of a misconception about the bird flu that's been passed from person to person. The bird flu cannot be passed between humans. A human has to have contact with an infected bird and its excretions in order to get the bird flu. Then and only then can you realistically ask yourself what is the bird flu.
Keeping yourself safe
Keep yourself safe from the bird flu by washing your hands with anti-bacterial soap after you handle birds. This is especially important if you handle poultry. If you have a pet bird, you should be extra careful to wash your hands because pet birds catch disease easily and are very capable of contracting the bird flu if exposed to it. The poor things don't even know what is the bird flu, but they know it doesn't make them feel good.
Another good way to protect your family from bird flu is by getting rid of any birds that nest in or on your house. Migratory birds tend to carry and spread the bird flu. If they're roosting on your roof, their feces can get into your ventilation system and spread the bird flu to your household. It's much better to explore what is bird flu by reading articles as opposed to sitting in a doctor's office.
