What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza is Infectious disease caused by the Avian Flu or H5N1 virus. This occurs primarily in birds and rarely in humans.

Initial symptoms of this disease are similar to those of other influenza viruses like fever, cough, sore throat, etc. However it quickly develops respiratory distress, respiratory failure and can lead to death. As of October 2007, total human cases in Indonesia were 111 cases with 89 fatalities reported by WHO.

Like the others, we can take action to prevent this disease occur in human. We can avoid contact with birds, animal markets/farm, bird dropping or secretions, and potentially contaminated surface. Do not keep birds/chickens near your house and observe proper sanitary procedures when dealing with poultry, especially traditional markets where life birds are sold or butchered. Do not use fertilizer containing chicken manure. If you observe sick or dead birds, please avoid any contact and call your local pest control service. Always wear mask and gloves in any high risk situation like handling a dead bird or row poultry meet and wash hands with soap after.

The other way to prevent this disease is to have a good personal hygiene. We should to encourage to washes our hands frequently. Apply food safety hygiene when we cook poultry and egg. Also cover our cough/sneeze and when possible avoid others respiratory symptoms. Please remember, if you are suffering from any fever, immediately consult to your respective medical doctor and do not travel. You can get an annual influenza vaccination shot that will protect you against the typical human influenza.