Avian Flu (Bird Flu)
by jmmillerWith all of the hype in the media, you may be feeling helpless and unable to protect your children against Avian Flu. It is important to keep in mind that although some predict it could become a pandemic, it is not yet even able to spread from human to human.
Since the onset of Avian Flu 8 years ago, 160 people have died worldwide. All of these people had come in direct contact with infected birds and contracted the virus themselves.
There are many different strains of the Avian Flu affecting poultry and game birds around the world. The strain that experts believe has the potential to become a pandemic virus is called H5N1. It is spread from bird to bird through saliva, feces, and blood.
In its current form, Avian Flu can only be spread to humans by handling infected birds or ingesting their meat. Experts fear that the virus could mutate and become contagious from human to human. If this were to happen, a vaccine would have to be created. But until an actual genetic mutation occurs, any vaccine developed now would be useless in fighting off the new strain.
This creates a dilemma for parents. How can you protect your child from an illness that could be lethal, when no one knows if or when it will strike?
As with other viruses, good hygiene and handwashing are essential in protecting yourself and your children from infection. It’s never too soon to teach your children the importance of washing their hands after touching another child’s toys; before eating; after using the restroom; and after touching common areas such as stair railings, playground equipment, or chairs in restaurants.
The mutation and spread of H5N1 should concern us, but not to the point that we become obsessed with it. Teaching your children good hygiene and good judgment (not putting toys in their mouth; avoiding people who are ill) goes a long way towards ensuring their safety in the event of a pandemic.
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