Avian Influenza
About Avian Influenza
Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a disease of chickens, ducks, geese, and other birds. Avian flu is very contagious among birds and can be deadly to birds, people, and cats.
Though only one form of the virus is believed to pose a significant risk to humans, and spread of the virus from person-to-person is considered rare, health agencies like the CDC and WHO still view Avian flu as a considerable threat. Since no natural immunity to the virus exists, the effects of an outbreak if the virus becomes easily transmittable from person-to-person, could be widespread.
Glove Usage
Even though there is no conclusive evidence that avian flu is transmitted person-to-person, health officials recommend that employees wash hands frequently. The CDC also recommends that healthcare personnel should wear disposable gloves and N-95 filtering face masks at all times when in the same room as a person believed to be infected. The CDC has not issued any specific recommendations for glove usage in non-healthcare settings.
The virus is not passed through eating cooked meat or eggs.