A woman feeds pigeons in Kiev, Ukraine.  People are advised not to handle or come in close contact with birds for fear of a fowl-to-human transmission of the avian flu. (AP)  

How is the bird flu transmitted?

There are two ways to transmit the avian flu: direct fowl-to-human contact or through a third-party source.

   Fowl-to-Human

• Migratory fowl release the virus into the environment through waste, bodily secretion and feathers
• Domesticated birds come in contact with the fowl or contaminated water or air.
• Humans then handle the domesticated birds, often through open-air markets or even cockfighting (which is common in Asia.)

   Third Party

• Pigs are common third party sources because they can become infected by both avian and human viruses.
• People are advised to wash their poultry thoroughly and avoid eggs for fear of avian flu transmission.

Chinese health workers began vaccinating birds after a possible death from the avian flu.  (AP)

Bird Symptoms

Symptoms of the avian flu in birds are minor unless the bird contracts the more pathogenic form.

• ruffled feathers
• reduced egg production
• respiratory distress

Nearly 100 percent mortality rate in birds that contract it.

Mutiara Gayatri, 7, is under careful watch at the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia after doctors suspected she might have the bird flu. (AP)

Human Symptoms

Human symptoms of the avian flu are very similar to the common influenza.

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• severe respiratory problems
• lung infection

Tamiflu, one of the four known treatments for influenza, is discussed at a Taiwan Department of Health press meeting. (AP)

How can we protect ourselves?

• Tamiflu can treat regular flu if taken within 2 days after the symptoms surface
• See your doctor immediately if you begin to feel any of the listed symptoms
• Avoid domesticated birds and open-air markets
• Wash your hands
• Avoid raw eggs
• Wash poultry and cook it well
• Ask your doctor about the flu shot

Tuesday at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. (AP)

What has the government done?

President Bush unveiled a $7.1 billion plan Tuesday in preparation for the avian flu problem.

• $1.2 billion to buy enough of the flu vaccines for 20 million people
• $1 billion to reserve other anti-viral drugs as a back-up
• 2.8 billion to catalyze the production of new vaccines
• $583 million in preparation for local responses in the event of an outbreak