Prevention of Human Infection with Bird Flu
Human infection with the bird flu virus occurs where there is direct contact with infected poultry, or objects and surfaces infected with feces. Many of the human cases were in rural places where domestic fowl are free-roaming, and may come in contact with susceptible individuals.
It is, therefore, strongly advised to observe proper personal hygiene:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Exposure to fowl should also be minimized. Do not eat raw poultry meat or eggs, or those coming from affected areas. It is not advisable for children to keep birds for pets.
The objective of these simple steps is to prevent the mutation of the H5N1 virus into a more deadly one which may easily transfer from human to human.