In as much as what we do here basically is about the environment, a key feature of the environment which has in a way being ignored by the masses is food. Food may be liquid or solid and when it is taken into the body, it should provide the needed substances for the growth of the body in its rightful proportion. This month’s free report, I have decided to look at chickens and a very close associate disease of it; “Bird Flu”.

Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds.

H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu. It’s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier. According to the World Health Organization Trusted Source, H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997 and has killed nearly 60 percent Trusted Source of those infected. 60 % is very huge which means it is very dangerous when infected and an infected person has a 60% chance of death if not properly treated or cured.

The good news is that currently, the virus isn’t known to spread via human-to-human contact. Still, some experts worry that H5N1 may pose a risk of becoming a pandemic threat to humans.

Although there are several types of bird flu, H5N1 was the first avian influenza virus to infect humans. The first infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. The outbreak was linked to handling infected poultry.

H5N1 occurs naturally in wild waterfowl, but it can spread easily to domestic poultry. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes.

Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn’t transmit the bird flu, but eggs should never be served runny. Meat is considered safe if it has been cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF (73.9ºC).

You may have an H5N1 infection if you experience typical flu-like symptoms such as:

• cough
• diarrhea
• respiratory difficulties
• fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• headache
• muscle aches
• malaise
• runny nose
• sore throat

If you’re exposed to bird flu, you should notify staff before you arrive at the doctor's office or hospital. alerting them ahead of time will allow them to take precautions to protect staff and other patients before caring for you.

Your doctor may recommend you get a flu shot so that you don’t also get a human strain of influenza. If you develop both the avian flu and human flu at the same time, it could create a new and possibly deadly form of the flu.

The CDC has issued no recommendations against traveling to countries that are affected by H5N1. However, you can minimize your risk by avoiding:

• open-air markets
• contact with infected birds
• undercooked poultry

Be sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. Stay safe and be safe!