The fear of the unknowing is possibly the greatest fear that will grip a person, especially when it comes to illness or medical issues. The Avian bird flu is no different and there are questions that surround the virus that can be scary. Is this something that needs to be taken more seriously? What is it exactly and how contagious is it? Finding the answers not only alleviates some fear but can help to better protect yourself and family from contracting the avian bird flu.

The bird flu is almost self explanatory, in the fact that it is based on viruses that birds pass on. For the majority of the cases it will be contracted to those who eat poultry, but is not limited to just that. It has also been know to move from person to person. In a manner similar to that of the common cold in humans, the bird flu originates in birds, mostly wild but some domestic such as chicken and turkey. In some rare cases these animals can become very sick or even die, but for the most part the birds will only carry the infection.

Chicken, turkey, and duck, are among the poultry that can become infected with the virus, which is then passed on to humans. It is our consumption that is the main reason for infection. Saliva, feces, or nasal discharge of a wild bird will contract the virus onto a domesticated bird. The path of the infection will vary but the majority cases originates with a wild bird to a domesticated chicken, turkey, or other consumed bird, then on to humans, who will then infect other humans.

It raises great concern due to the very fast and simplified nature that the infection can spread. Any surface that has come in contact with this wild bird or infected human, now becomes an area the illness can derive. It has only been since 1997, that reported cases of human avian bird flu came into the light. Up to then it was thought that only birds could contract the disease, although now several reports have indicated that humans can and have died from the complications of the virus. On the bright side, the cases of humans giving the virus to other humans is somewhat low, therefore it is highly recommended that a close monitor of all poultry that you and your family eat, be carried out to reduce the chances of the bird flu from ever coming up at all.

Signs and symptoms are very similar to that of the standard flu, so at first glance if you think you are coming down with the flu you should see your doctor right away. Those who work with birds either in the wild or in a processing plant should maintain cleanliness, frequently wash hands and avoid coughing or sneezing outright. Constantly watch out for fatigue, fever, headache, or if you experience upper respiratory pain or congestion, in the event you are experiencing these things seek medical help.