Bird Flu: What You Need to Know

Although bird (avian) flu is currently limited to fowl and is only occasionally transmitted among those in close contact with infected birds, there remains a risk that this virus will change so that it can be spread between people. If this happens the world may have a flu pandemic and we want you to have the information you need to be prepared and to respond appropriately.

While this highly infectious disease could cause enormous harm, it may only cause a year of severe flu, be geographically isolated or may never come at all. It is very important that bird flu concerns do not take our attention away from deadly diseases already in our national and global communities like malaria, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and traffic accidents. There are concerning statistics available for all of these but none for bird flu. There may come a time when bird flu has comparable or higher casualties but at the moment it is important to keep a wide perspective for life and ministry.

Churches are in a special position to be a positive force in response to a bird flu pandemic. You can help by knowing your facts, what you need to do to prepare, and where to find good information. Whether you're a church member, pastor, or a layperson simply wanting to be more informed, these web pages will help you distinguish fact from myth, identify concrete steps you can take to be ready, and provide links to details you and your family may need.

Understanding Bird Flu A brief overview FAQs

Churches	Individuals and Families
Organizations	Web Site Resources