Goggles

New research on how avian flu spreads may help people take preventative steps to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. The March 2005 edition of the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, reported that some strains of bird flu may first enter through the human eye before attacking the respiratory system. Conjunctivitis, a type of eye infection, was found to be a major symptom among those people who contracted the virus during the 2003 outbreak in the Netherlands and also during the 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. Scientists believe the virus may be transferred through contaminated respiratory droplets in the air, dried droplets on surfaces, or through contaminated water. Goggles could greatly reduce the risk of infection, and researchers encourage eye protection to be worn by those who deal with avian flu.


Further reading on Bird Flu googles