im leaving for southeast asia in 2 months, just wanted to see if anyone has been there recently and to what extent the bird flu is at over there..

11/9/2005 1:09:49 PM

BANG COCK

11/9/2005 1:13:18 PM

That was random.

But seriously, I wouldn't worry much. In many Asian countries its common to keep their chickens and such with them, actually in their bedrooms. That's how they've gotten the flu. Saying that, not many people have actually contracted it, it's just that the people who have generally have very severe cases. As long as you wash your hands and are careful I honestly wouldn't worry.

[Edited on November 9, 2005 at 1:22 PM. Reason : mer]

11/9/2005 1:20:35 PM

What happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand.

Just remember, you're a healthy, well nourished american. Your immume system would probably smack the shit out of the bird flu and be on it's way, unlike the immune system of some poor, hungry, and starving sweatshop worker.

11/9/2005 1:25:54 PM

im not so much worried about it as my family is. Ive read up on it on the CDC website and WHO website and it looks that as long as i make sure my food is cooked and i wash my hands i should be ok, just wanted to know if there was any first hand encounters out there. Also what about malaria? should i get doxycycline so i dont chance that...

11/9/2005 1:28:48 PM

Be aware that Thailand is the transsexual capital of the world.

[Edited on November 9, 2005 at 1:30 PM. Reason : s]

11/9/2005 1:30:18 PM

man, antibiotics work wonders on malaria

oh yea - quit being a fucking alarmist.
even if you DID catch the flu, it's unlikely you'd die from it. too bad.

11/9/2005 1:52:26 PM

get some hookers


i here they are everywhere.

11/9/2005 3:14:36 PM

Go to the travel clinic at the health center, they'll hook you up.

11/9/2005 3:21:53 PM

11/9/2005 3:23:28 PM

does your family wear tin foil hats?

11/9/2005 3:24:50 PM

nope

11/9/2005 3:27:52 PM

Quote :

"even if you DID catch the flu, it's unlikely you'd die from it. too bad."

actually, there's a 50% mortality rate. kills young and old indiscriminately.

have a good trip!

11/9/2005 3:33:39 PM

i went like 16-17 years ago...it wasnt so bad.

11/9/2005 3:34:10 PM

Quote :

"kills young and old indiscriminately. "

That's the thing with most major diseases.
Basically it's thinning out the herd.

11/9/2005 3:49:30 PM

which city 'll you plan to go? there is no malaria in bangkok , only dengue that you should be aware. Malaria is mostly found on thai-burma border or near forest. Moreover, i don't think that bird flu is a big issue as long as you have no contact with natural birds and all kinds of poultry including feces. Eating only well cooked food and reliable bottle water is enough to keep you away from bird flu and diaarhea. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

11/10/2005 3:28:04 AM

^^wtf?

No, most major diseases discriminate against older people. This is pretty common knowledge. The flu is one of those diseases. I mean, have you ever heard of a friend of yours dying from the flu? The flu kills old people all the time.

Unlike most flu strains, avian flu is somewhat unique in that age does not seem to play a factor in likelihood of catching it or the mortality rate.


But yeah, quit being an alarmist. Don't drink uncooked chicken blood, and you should be fine. I mean, a handful of people have caught it this year out of how many billions in Asia?


[Edited on November 10, 2005 at 4:04 AM. Reason : 1]

11/10/2005 4:02:36 AM

If you are really worried, just stick to pork and beef while you are there. Or at least what you think is pork and beef.

11/10/2005 7:20:49 AM

You can buy a little boy or girl for next to nothing there.

11/10/2005 7:22:22 AM