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The bird flu virus is a virus that seems to have popped up over the past few years. Seems like more people in other countries are getting it. It can be deadly to people, or even create a pandemic affecting everyone. It is spread through contact with birds who contract an influenza virus. It can affect humans, if humans come into contact with the infected birds.

This virus can be mistaken for the common flu virus. Bird flu has similar symptoms to the common flu, If you start experiencing muscle aches, sore throat, and fever, get checked out by your doctor just to make sure it is the common flu. If you do have the bird flu virus, it can be treated with a specific group of antiviral medications. Also avoid contact with other humans. The best way to detect bird flu is by visiting your doctor early to prevent it from spreading.

The bird flu is spread by infected birds that contract an influenza virus. It was thought to only spread among birds and some animals like hogs. That was until humans started contracting it. This virus is spread through humans coming into direct contact with a bird flu infected bird. Also, coming into contact with bird feces can spread the virus. If a bird defecates on you, your house,car, or any other property, by coming into contact with that feces, you can get infected. Migratory birds can spread the bird flu easily, since they travel from place to place. They often contract the virus and pass it on to other birds and humans.

Many farmers came into contact with the bird flu through their own animals getting contaminated with it. Migratory birds came into contact with the farmers animals, such as chickens. Chickens free roam and spread the virus on to other chickens. Then in return the farmer comes into contact with the chickens and the farmer gets the virus.

You can protect yourself from the bird flu virus. Wash your hands frequently, just like you would with the common flu. Avoid touching or coming into contact with wild birds, or birds that look sick. If you are traveling overseas where the bird flu is contagious, avoid groups of people who seem sick and have flu like symptoms. Just be cautious and most importantly, wash your hands frequently.

There has been no known cases of the bird flu virus in the United States. However, it doesn't hurt to be extra cautious and careful. Wash your hands frequently and avoid groups of people who seem to have flu like symptoms. Stay away from sick birds, and direct contact with bird feces. If you think you have the common flu, still visit a doctor to get checked out. These are just a few tips to help keep you safe from the bird flu virus.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Miller.
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