(HealthDay News) -- At least 45 people have died recently in Southeast Asia from avian influenza, better known as bird flu. The World Health Organization offers these suggestions if you're traveling to the continent, especially to rural areas:
- Avoid contact with chickens, ducks or other poultry unless absolutely necessary.
- Children are at high risk if they play where poultry are found. Teach your children these basic guidelines: avoid contact with any birds, their feathers, feces, or other waste; wash hands with soap and water after any contact; do not sleep near poultry.
- Do not transport live or dead chickens, ducks or other poultry from one place to another even if you think the birds are healthy.
- Do not prepare poultry from affected areas as food for your family or animals.
- If you unintentionally come into contact with poultry that could be infected, wash your hands well with soap and water after each contact; remove shoes outside the house and clean them of dirt; and check your temperature for seven days at least once daily. If you develop a high fever, visit a doctor or the nearest health-care facility immediately.
