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Prognosis
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Images
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Treatment|
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People with suspected symptoms of bird flu
(avian flu) will be advised to stay at home, or will be cared for in hospital
in isolation from other patients.
The main recommendations are:
Resting
Drinking plenty of fluids and eating
healthily
Taking medication to help treat fever and
pain, such as aspirin and paracetamol
Many influenza viruses have become
resistant to the effects of a category of antiviral drugs that includes
amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine). Health officials recommend the use of
oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or, if oseltamivir can't be used, zanamivir (Relenza).
These drugs must be taken within two days after the appearance of symptoms.
There is
concern, however, that some types of bird flu may be developing resistance to
oseltamivir. Chinese health officials have developed another type of flu
medication that received accelerated approval from their government for the
treatment of H7N9 bird flu.
Prevention|
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There are a number of things you can do to
reduce your risk when you visit areas where outbreaks have been reported, such
as:
Avoid domesticated birds. If possible,
avoid rural areas, small farms and open-air markets.
Wash your hands. This is one of the
simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. Use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol when you travel.
Ask about a flu shot. Before traveling, ask
your doctor about a flu shot. It won't protect you specifically from bird flu,
but it may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with bird and human
flu viruses.
Avoid visiting live animal markets and
poultry farms
Avoid contact with surfaces that are
contaminated with bird droppings
Don't pick up or touch birds (dead or
alive)
Don't eat or handle undercooked or raw
poultry, egg or duck dishes
Don't bring any live poultry products back
to the UK, including feathers
Always practise good personal hygiene, such
as washing your hands regularly
There are no restrictions on travel to
countries that have been or are currently affected by bird flu.
