How to Protect Yourself from Bird Flu
As respiratory infections surge across the United States, experts are concerned about the Trump administration’s order for all federal health agencies to halt public communications until February. The spread of bird flu is particularly alarming as the virus continues to sweep through more poultry, ducks, and cattle herds.
What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its bird flu advisory page since the communication freeze. The agency has also updated the case counts on the webpage since the communication freeze. As of now, 67 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the country, and there’s no human-to-human spread of the virus.
How to Protect Yourself from Bird Flu
To reduce your risk of contracting bird flu, take the following steps:
- Avoid close contact with wild birds
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you have to come into direct contact with sick or dead animals
- Do not drink raw milk or eat products made with raw milk, as it can contain the bird flu virus. The pasteurization process kills the virus and other pathogens that can cause illness.
- Get a seasonal flu shot: It won’t prevent bird flu infection, but it can reduce the risk of getting sick from both infections at once.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Seems Sick?
Domestic pets can also become ill with bird flu. Cats appear to be more susceptible to bird flu, as dozens of cats have died from eating raw pet food or drinking raw milk contaminated with the virus. If your pet shows symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and neurological signs like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Where Can You Check for Bird Flu Updates?
You can follow research centers for bird flu updates while the federal health agencies are on communication freeze. Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, recommends following the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy website and Johns Hopkins’ Center for Outbreak Response Innovation to stay up to date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu, both for yourself and your pets. By following the steps outlined above, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus and help prevent its spread. Remember to stay informed about bird flu updates and to seek medical attention if you or your pet shows symptoms of illness.
