Avian Flu

I often get questions regarding vaccinations for travel to China. While there is no vaccine in this case, avian flu is still present in China and there are simple things you can do to avoid catching it. Beyond avian flu, I do recommend travelers to China get an annual flu shot as well. The public should remain vigilant and take heed of the advice against avian influenza below: 

•  Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. 
• Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings; - if contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap
•  Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered and contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals
•  Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating, after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); and when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients
• Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients