Infrequently Asked Questions
December, 2005

You can find answers to the most commonly asked questions by reading links on the home page. However, for those infrequently asked questions, this is the place.

Are Tamiflu and Relenza vaccines?
NO! They are anti-viral (anti-virus) medication that may help you if you get the bird flu.

When should I take Tamiflu or Relenza?
Not until you suspect you have been exposed to bird flu and within 24 hours of having symptoms.

Then why buy it now?
You may not be able to obtain it later. Countries worldwide are stockpiling it. The United States has stockpiled a very small amount for their percentage (for 2% of the population) and other industrialized countries have stockpiled enough for 25% of their population. It is expected that health care workers will get priority in receiving the medication.

Will the annual flu shot I get every year protect me from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus?
NO! It will NOT protect you from the bird flu virus! That flu shot covers a different strain. You should still get your annual flu shot, however. That is very important.

Is there a bird flu vaccine available?
NO! But there is one in development that is going through test trials now. Its approval and manufacture may not be available in time for a pandemic. See article in Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY) paper about University of Rochester trials (October 16 2005) and NPR story (audio) (August 8, 2005)

Can the (potential) bird flu pandemic be slowed?
Some people think so. See: National Georgraphic, "Bird Flu" Could Be Slowed at the Source, Study Says, National Geographic, August 3, 2005.

Can cats get bird flu?
Apparently, it could happen. See: Cats Can Catch and Spread Bird Flu, National Geographic from September 2, 2004.

Should I stop feeding the birds in my bird feeder?
Only if you have had bird flu present in your country.

Is it safe to eat chicken and other poultry?
Yes, properly prepared and cooked chicken in the U.S. is safe to eat.

Is it safe to eat turkey for Thanksgiving?
Yes, properly prepared and cooked chicken in the U.S. is safe to eat.

How many people have died of bird flu?
According to the U.S. State Department, as of October 17, 2005, "WHO (World Health Organization) has confirmed 117 human cases of H5N1 infection in four Asian nations, resulting in 60 deaths. Because access to medical care is poor in some rural areas and cases may go undiagnosed, the human count could be higher." See HEWS for updated statistics.

Isn't this just a case of the media trying to sell newspapers?
For years, the media reported that experts predicted New Orleans was subject to devastating floods. Few listened; few prepared. The media is now reporting that experts predict a possible bird flu pandemic. Need we say more?

How many people usually die of regular flu every year?
In the United States, approximately 36,000. In the UK, approximately 12,000.

What is an easier way to get to this site?
If you type birdfluprep.com or birdfluprepations.com (with an "s'), it will get you to birdflupreparation.com.

We're all going to die of something anyway. Why worry?
Most of us have a desire to survive. Whether it's looking both ways before we cross the street, not ingesting poisonous substances, or keeping away from the tops of slippery cliffs, it is only natural to want to preserve oneself, as well as one's family, community, country, and world. So most of us do what one can. The first thing to do is: Become educated! Sift through the paranoia, the ads, and the opposing expert opinions. Educate yourself and then prepare in the best way that you can.

What's one way for me to avoid getting sick? (Bird flu or otherwise?)
As usual, eat healthy foods and exercise to keep your immune system as healthy as it can be and wash your hands! Teach your children to wash their hands. Use lots of soapy water, scrub for 20 seconds or more, and dry thoroughly. Then do it again.

If you do get sick (any flu), DO NOT GO TO WORK OR SCHOOL. Stay home so you do not give it to others. If you need to sneeze, sneeze into a handkerchief or tissue. If you have neither, sneeze into your elbow, not your hands, and then go wash your hands. Otherwise, you'll spread the germs with your hands.

When (or if) the bird flu strikes, you should be prepared to wear N95 respiratory facial masks. There is expected to be shortages of such masks at the time of the pandemic. Be prepared and buy them now.