We've been closely tracking the spread of Avian Flu for the past few weeks and we are sad to say that the third case of the disease has been found in a human being recently in Michigan. You may be saying to yourself, well ok, so that's 3 people out of hundreds of millions, but you have to understand no pandemic starts with thousands of sick people. By that time we actually have a real problem. There are always a few patient zeros who may not even know they are sick, (which may be the case right now!) going about their day unknowingly, spreading the flu across others who then spread it across more people, and so on. What is seriously worrying though is the fact that the bird bug lives in our food supply. What's even more worrisome is that the virus has jumped from our feathered friends to mammals, which now include the two-legged kind, aka us! So this nastiness can mutate and we saw the mess COVID created when it learned to adapt to people's systems and fight vaccines.
The Situation
Since late 2021, the United States has been grappling with a widespread bird flu outbreak caused by the H5N1 virus. Millions of poultry and egg-laying birds have been culled to control the spread, impacting poultry prices, wasting massive amounts of food, decimating the chicken farming industry, and raising concerns about food safety and security. The virus has now jumped to mammals, like cows and farm workers. Food safety experts like Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation. have expressed concern that this could be the start of a new pandemic originating from poultry farms considering how many people have direct contact with birds and also the massive amount of bird meat we consume daily.
The Current Risk
While the risk to the general public is still considered low, the situation warrants close scrutiny. Public health officials are taking steps to control the spread, including providing protective gear to farm workers and increasing surveillance efforts but ultimately all it takes is a few infected people to spread these cooties nationwide.
Staying Safe
Here's what you can do to protect yourself:
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling poultry or eggs.
Cook poultry thoroughly: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential pathogens.
Report sick or dead birds: If you see sick or dead birds, contact your local authorities.
Get vaccinated: A seasonal flu shot can help reduce the risk of catching this avian strain of influenza.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you experience any of these symptoms and have had close contact with birds or poultry, seek medical attention immediately...
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Keep Calm And Stay Informed
While the bird flu outbreak is a cause for concern, it's important to stay calm and follow the recommendations of health experts. By taking simple precautions and staying informed, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you want more information on this situation as it rolls out the CDC's website is a great source of information. Stay informed and be safe folks.
