Understanding Bird Flu: What It Is, Preventions To Take & How It Affects The UAE

You’ve probably heard about bird flu at some point, but before you start picturing any wild ideas of your own, let me break it down for you. Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a virus that mainly affects birds. Sometimes, it can spread to other animals like cows – and in rare cases, it can infect humans. That’s right, there are chances that it can spread to people like you and me. But don’t worry, it’s not easily spread from person to person. However, as some cases of bird flu have been flagged around the world it’s always better to proceed with caution. Keep reading to find out more on bird flu and how it affects the UAE.

How Does Bird Flu Spread?

Bird flu doesn’t just float around in the air waiting to be caught. It usually spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. If poultry or eggs aren’t handled or cooked properly, the virus can also linger there. Who’s most at risk? People who work with poultry, waterfowl, or dairy cows – basically, those who are around animals a lot or don’t cook their food thoroughly enough. If a person does catch it, symptoms aren’t much different from the regular flu – I’m talking fever, runny nose, tiredness, and in some cases, pink eye (conjunctivitis). Sounds familiar, right?

How to Stay Safe

Now, before you start eyeing your chicken dinner suspiciously, here’s the good news: bird flu is pretty easy to avoid. Just follow these simple precautions:

• Wash your hands on a regular basis – especially after handling raw poultry or being around birds.
• Make sure your food is properly cooked – no undercooked chicken or eggs, please!
• Avoid touching sick or dead birds – probably not something you do often, but just in case.
• Wear a mask in crowded spaces – most especially if you’re in a high-risk area, like a poultry farm or an abattoir/slaughterhouse.
• Keep your surroundings clean – especially if you work with animals and raw food.

Is Bird Flu A Concern In The UAE?

Right now, there’s no need to stress about bird flu in the UAE. Dr. Supriya Sundaram, a Consultant Pulmonologist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, reassures that the virus isn’t causing any issues here. The last major outbreak was almost a year ago in the US and Canada, and there are no current alerts or travel advisories in place for the UAE.

So, Should You Be Worried?

Nope! There’s no bird flu crisis in the UAE, and authorities haven’t issued any warnings. That being said, good hygiene is always a smart move – not just for bird flu, but for staying healthy in general. Wash your hands, cook your food properly, and go about your day worry-free.

For now, the UAE remains bird flu-free, so you can enjoy your chicken biryani without a second thought!

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