Avian influenza is a strain of influenza (sometimes called “the
flu”) that infects birds. Although there have been few cases of
human illness, some health experts are concerned that the virus
could become more efficient at infecting humans and could
eventually cause a pandemic of this disease. More Preventing the
Avian Flu What’s the current status of the avian flu vaccine?
Although there is no vaccine for the avian flu yet, and supplies
of the "regular" flu vaccine are limited, there are other ways
you can lower your risk of contracting the flu. While there may
be little that we can do to prevent the avian flu from mutating
and spreading between humans, one way to reduce your chance of
contracting this infection—should a human outbreak occur—is
through proper handwashing. While we in the western hemisphere
have little cause for concern (as yet), Americans traveling
abroad may be at risk of contracting bird flu. Read more about
what and where this virus is, how risky it is, and how to avoid
it if you are trav