Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta state that at this time, travel should not be restricted to bird flu endemic countries or countries where bird flu cases in humans, poultry and wild birds have been reported. However, some precautions should be taken before, during and after your travel.
1. Get Immunized Before You Go
Go to a doctor and get all recommended vaccines to travelers to the country you are visiting. Also get a seasonal flu shot. This won't prevent you from getting pandemic flu, but it can help you stay healthy.2. Pack a First Aid Kit
Pack prescription drugs, a thermometer, basic first aid kit materials.3. Take Emergency Phone Numbers
Make a list of useful phone numbers in case of an emergency. You may want to include: number of traveler's insurance company in case of need for emergency evacuation, contact in your home country, credit card phone numbers (nothing's worse than having your credit card blocked right when you need it!).4. Eat Meat and Eggs Only When Well Cooked
Avian influenza viruses and other food borne microbes are killed if meat is cooked to at least 165 F (70 C) inside and out. Eggs should be thoroughly cooked, no runny yolks. Avoid eating or drinking blood from poultry. See Tips to Cooking Poultry Safely and Bird Flu.5. Wash Hands and Shoes
Hand washing is our number one way to prevent the spread of diseases! Wash hands with warm water and ordinary soap. If you have visited a bird flu endemic country, and especially if you are coming from a farm or rural area, wash your shoes after your visit. Soak soles in a chlorine bleach solution. 4 teaspoons (20 ml) bleach to 1 quart (1 liter) of water.6. Avoid Contact with Birds, Feathers, Feces
Also avoid contact with surfaces where birds have been, egg crates, trucks used to transport poultry and any other surfaces that may be contaminated. Birds, dead and alive can harbor the virus as well as their feces and feathers. Bird to Human Transmission of bird flu is most likely to occur from domesic fowl.7. Maintain Healthy Habits
Eat right, get exercise and keep stress low. The more prepared your body and mind is the more likely you will be able to fend off infectious diseases.8. Monitor Your Health for 10 Days After Arriving Home
Within 10 days you'll know if you got avian flu or not. If you have these symptoms especially a high fever adn coughing, call your doctor and explain your symptoms to him or her. Tell him or her the country or countries you traveled to and the kind of exposure to the virus you may have had especially these Top 10 High Risk Bird Flu Activities.9. Back Home Wash Up and Avoid Visits to Poultry Farms
Wash clothing with regular detergent. Wash shoes normally and soak soles in a tub with 4 teaspoons (20 ml) of chlorine bleach to one quart (1 liter) of water.Also, avoid visits to poultry farms for four days to one week after your return to prevent the risk of poultry becoming infected with possible sources of avian influenza present on clothing, shoes or other surfaces.
10. Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO), Traveler's Recommendations, http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/travel2005_11_3/en/index.html
- Center for Diseaes Control (CDC), Advice for Travelers, http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/avian_influenza_se_asia_2005.htm