Currently, the United States government and the World Health Organization (WHO) do not recommend any travel restrictions related to avian influenza (“bird flu”). However, U.S. citizens living in areas that have had outbreaks of bird flu should take special precautions in order to minimize their risk of contracting the virus.

What to do when living abroad

Right now, the recommendations for U.S. citizens living abroad are the same as the recommendations for travelers who are visiting affected regions. If you live in a region that has had cases of avian influenza in poultry or humans, you should:

• Stay away from birds. Avoid all contact with any type of wild or domestic bird, including chickens, ducks, and geese.

• Take extra care when cooking poultry. Take additional precautions when preparing poultry:
  
  

• Do not place other food items on a cutting board that has been used for poultry.
  
• Wash your hands after you have touched poultry and before you touch anything else.
  
• After preparing the poultry, wash any surface, utensils or cookware touched by the meat or juices in warm, soapy water.
  
• Do not place any cooked food on an unwashed plate that has held uncooked poultry.

• Avoid contaminated surfaces. Do not touch anything that you think might have also been touched by an infected bird. This includes cages, tables at live markets, or benches that show signs of bird droppings.

• Watch what you eat. So far, it does not appear that you can contract bird flu from eating poultry. However, only eat poultry that has been fully cooked. The influenza virus dies when heated. This recommendation also includes all poultry products, including eggs and egg yolks. Beware of regional dishes that may contain uncooked poultry blood.

• Wash your hands. This is a good practice to follow every time you come in contact with anything that potentially is contaminated. Not only will you reduce your chance of contracting avian influenza, you’ll minimize your risk of picking up many other types of infections. It’s a good idea to carry waterless gel hand sanitizer for times that you do not have access to soap and water.

• Monitor your health. If you think you may have come in contact with the virus, pay special attention to any symptoms for at least ten days. If you develop a fever, cough, sore throat, or breathing problems, see a healthcare provider immediately. Make sure you tell your caregiver about your possible contact with the virus and give a detailed description of your symptoms.

Turn to your embassy or consulate

United States embassies and consulates can help you find a doctor should you become ill. However, if you are a private citizen, it is important to play a proactive role in protecting your own health. Find your own healthcare provider and make sure that doctor has access to the anti-viral medication TamiFlu.

TamiFlu can be very hard to find overseas. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that embassies and consulates keep a supply of anti-viral medications, they will only dispense the drugs to government employees and their families. They will not give private citizens medicine if they become ill.

Avian influenza is still only a minor threat to humans. Cases among people living in affected regions remain rare and isolated. Still, once contracted, avian flu is often deadly.

While there is no reason to change your travel schedule or place of residence because of bird flu, it is still very important to take basic precautions in order to protect yourself.

See also

• Preparedness planning
• The latest news
• What you need to know