Avian Flu

With the upcoming semester break and January term, some students and their families may have the opportunity to travel internationally to countries that have reported incidents of avian flu. Remember to continue to observe for symptoms of the avian flu for 10 days after returning home from these travels. If you become ill with a fever plus a cough, sore throat, or trouble breathing within the first 10 days after traveling abroad, consult a health-care provider. Tell the provider the following: 1) your symptoms, 2) where you traveled, and 3) if you have had direct contact with poultry or close contact with a severely ill person. This way, he or she can be aware that you have traveled to an area reporting avian influenza. The early symptoms of Avian flu are very similar to the winter season respiratory flu, so it is extremely important to inform the healthcare provider of recent travel if you do become ill. Learn more from the Center for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health .