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• There is no bird flu anywhere in the US at this time.
• There is no pandemic flu anywhere in the world at this time.
• Bird flu is not the same as pandemic flu.
• Bird flu naturally occurs in birds. H5N1, which is present on other continents, is a type of bird flu.
• Bird flu is hard for people to catch and requires close contact with diseased birds. It does not spread easily from one person to another.
• Pandemic flu can occur if a bird flu or other animal flu virus changes or mutates. When this happens, few people are immune to the new virus and it can spread quickly from one person to another.
• Pandemic flu can make a lot of people sick and cause many deaths. It can also have a negative economic impact on our nation, its businesses, and its universities.
• No one can predict at this time whether or not the bird flu virus will change into a pandemic flu virus.
• Being prepared is the best strategy.

What should I do to avoid flu in general?

We recommend these simple steps in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases:

• Frequent exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of sleep, & moderate alcohol consumption will all help to maintain a healthy immune system.
• Additionally, if you smoke, consider quitting as a way to improve your overall health & increase your body's response to preventing & fighting against disease.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water.
• Use anti-bacterial hand-sanitizers when soap & water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands immediately afterwards.
• Avoid sharing water bottles, towels, utensils, etc. without washing the item first.
• Use a household disinfectant to clean highly used areas (like doorknobs, toilet handles, computers, phones, faucets, etc.)
• Get a flu shot when they are available.
• Stay away from work or classes when sick with a fever or actively coughing.