Bird Flu - Information for Travelers
If an Avian Bird Flu pandemic strikes theres no doubt it will
have a devastating effect on the travel industry. This document
touches briefly on Bird Flu and provides advice for Travelers
who are going to be ultimately more susceptible if a pandemic
strikes.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird Flu is an influenza strain of about twenty that infects
birds. While there is a mass of media hysteria regarding recent
outbreaks, Bird Flu has been in known existence for over 40
years. During this time, the disease has become far more
infectious and affects almost every bird species in many
countries world wide. One particular strain of this disease that
is particularly worrying is the deadly "H5N1" strain - which has
caused over sixty human deaths to date. While these deaths have
been caused from direct contact with infected birds, scientists
are worried that the virus could mutate and become highly
contagious between humans.
Should I defer travel to countries that have confirmed cases of
Bird Flu?
No. At this stage Bird Flu is a relatively isolated disease.
Furthermore you can only become infected through the secretions
of infected birds. You have got a far greater chance of getting
mugged or falling ill with the common cold - so put everything
into perspective. Upon saying this, stay wary. Be sure you know
about any possible outbreaks that could occur. If hear of a
suspected outbreak, you then however may wish to reconsider.
Governments also provide up to the minute travel warnings for
countries that have disease outbreaks. See: http://www.cdc.gov
The potential dangers of flying.
If an outbreak were to occur, be very wary about flying.
Aircraft provide perfect environments for spreading disease.
Passengers are often ballooned into Aircraft like cattle.
Because they are within close quarters for long periods and with
the air being re-circulated it drastically increases the changes
of infection. Furthermore, what happens if an infected passenger
from a previous flight was sitting in the seat you are about the
sit in?. The news is not all bad. Many newer commercial aircraft
have filters that remove all germs from the air. Be sure to
check with your Airline.
When the SARS virus was first discovered in China, it had
already reached five other countries within just 24 hours.
Todays high speed air travel does make for a rather scary
scenario. The 1918 pandemic spread world wide - even though
travel times were significant between countries. With travel
from one side of the globe to another in 24 hours - imagine how
quickly a bird flu virus could spread.
How can I best prepare before traveling?
- Put together a first aid kit. If possible, include a sanitizer
and thermometer. A dose of flu tablets such as Tamiflu and a
respirator would be valuable additions.
- Vaccinate. Be sure that you have had all the recommended jabs
before traveling. It is believed that the common Flu jab may
provide some degree of resistance, but is not really known until
scientists can identify the mutated form of the virus.
- Watch and study the news. Make sure you are up-to-date before
you leave. Be sure to take a small radio along with you so that
you can keep up-to-date while traveling.
- Take out travel health insurance.
What happens if I get caught up in an outbreak?
- If its not possible to leave the area, you should avoid close
contact with any other people that are showing potential
symptoms. You should cover your mouth and nose with an approved
respirator. Don't cover your mouth and nose with your hands -
infact avoid such contact. Ensure you wash your hands (and that
others do also) regularly.
What happens if I get infected?
If you do start to show symptoms (fever, coughing, sore throat)
be sure to contact your consular officer immediately. They will
then be able to advise you on where to seek medial attention.
There are anti-viral tablets (such as Tamiflu) which may offer
some relief. Visit this URL for more info:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/antiviral/index.htm
Also, be sure to isolate yourself from other people. You don't
want them to get infected.
If you are traveling to countries that have confirmed cases of
Bird Flu be sure to monitor your health for up to ten days after
your return. If symptoms do arise, be sure to see your health
professional immediately.
Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website for official Information http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
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