Much has been said and reported regarding the Avian Bird Flu situation in Indonesia. Some travellers have cancelled their flights to Bali because of it albeit only a few. Others liker myself will be taking precautions, reluctantly.
I am not duly over concerned about the bird flu but, whilst I was having my last check-up at the doctor’s this morning, I asked him about it, or should I say, he told me about it!. My doctor is Javanese and subsequently worries about all his patients and those travelling to the affected areas. He advised me to stay away from any place where are chickens or fowls – they are everywhere in Bali! – do not eat chicken – I love my sate and Nasi Padang food! – and, subsequently all of this made me feel like I should stay put in the Prawita and eat western junk food only. Go away doc!.
Anyway, he gave me a script for Tamiflu which does not stop the virus but slow it down. This apparently is the only vaccine on the market at the moment. It’s not cheap. For a 5 day supply of pills (2 per day) it is AUD$50 but I gave my chemist a hard time and received it for AUD$42. If you are intending obtaining the Tamiflu make sure that your chemist gives you a long expiry date – the pills I have expire in 2008.
The symptoms for the bird flu are similar to that of the ordinary flu virus – sniffles, wonky head, feeling like shit etc. The only difference being is that the bird flu makes your bones ache. But, so does Ross River Virus, Malaria, and other strains of influenza. Go figure!.
Here is a link to the article from Bali Discovery about the Avian Bird Flu Virus.
PRINT 
{ 4 comments }
Chris
Just a brief comment about all the confusing / contradictory / exagerated / scaremongering info re avian bird flu
There is no doubt has the POTENTIAL to be a really serious epidemic [and I mean really really]- but it is NOT at that point yet from all I read. People have to remember it has been around for a couple of years and the death toll [sadly for the families of those affected] is in reality not high compared to other common illnesses
I recommend a vist to the British Gov Travel Advisories [just google this description] and they have a direct link to the topic. It is sensible calm and rational. I am an Oz but forget about our DFAT site it is about as sensible and practical as a pollie
cheers [I'll be there in a few weeks]
There is no doubt has the POTENTIAL to be a really serious epidemic [and I mean really really]- but it is NOT at that point yet from all I read. People have to remember it has been around for a couple of years and the death.
I would say that their are no answer to the Bird flu as in the thing.
I was recently in Karengasem and where I was staying, chickens had free run of the kitchen; one hen liked to hide behind the water dispenser. There were droppings everywhere. I ate chicken practically every night. “Aren’t you concerned about bird flu?” I asked. “It’s not here” was the response. “Is it in Bali?” “I don’t know.”
But I wouldn’t worry about expiration dates too much. A renowned doc I know told me these are just marketing. He said, keep drugs dry and in the fridge and they can last ages longer.
there is now a report about a confirmed death of a woman in west jembrana. australian authorities already warn tourists to stay put in tourist resorts and not to go into villages. see more here: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22236785-663,00.html,
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=28736
Comments on this entry are closed.