Contagiousness

In areas where bird flu is common, which are actually not many areas, the virus is very contagious. It can be spread by any direct contact with the blood, waste products, mucus, or other bodily fluids of an infected bird. It may also be contracted by touching a surface with which these fluids have been in direct contact. Generally, practicing good hygiene and exercising caution and preventative measures can help to greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus.

Those who are at a high risk for contracting bird flu should visit with their doctors regularly. "High risk" individuals include poultry farmers, others who work with poultry, travelers to areas where bird flu is very common, anyone who comes into direct contact with an infected bird, those who eat raw or undercooked poultry, those who eat raw or undercooked eggs, health care workers who interact with those who have the virus, and family members of infected individuals. People who meet these criteria should be constantly on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of the condition and should be checked regularly for the virus.

Unfortunately, there is no cure or surefire way to prevent bird flu from spreading. However, doctors will sometimes use other antivirus medications to reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus and to ease the symptoms associated with it.It is important to explore these options with a health care professional in order to prevent contracting the virus and possibly spreading it to others. The more the virus is spread, the more likely it is to become a pandemic and to hurt and even kill people all over the world. It is everyone's part then to be aware of the virus, how it is spread, and what can be done to reduce the danger associated with it.