It’s already exceeding last year’s numbers: people all over the country are getting salmonella from ducks, geese, chicken, and other birds. Several outbreaks have occurred, but so far no one has died (although people with weakened immune systems are at high risk for hospitalization from complications).
What are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning? It usually gets in through your mouth, then proceeds to cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and other typical signs of foodborne illness. Once you’re sick, the key is rest and staying hydrated.
Even better is avoiding illness. Birds don’t always show symptoms to indicate that they carry salmonella, so you can’t guess off their behavior. Instead, the CDC recommends keeping your mouth off birds (no kisses and cuddles; seriously, they think the pet aspect is contributing to the outbreak). Don’t allow birds in your house, since their feces spreads salmonella (and once they’re in your house, it can be hard to keep them out of the kitchen and bathrooms). Cook any meat or eggs following food safety guidelines.
It helps too if your overall health is good. A strong immune system means that if you do get sick, from salmonella or something else, you’re in a better position to fight it off. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and do little things to help support your health like taking time to de-stress or supporting your immune system each day with colloidal silver. (If you’re a bird hobbyist, you can add a very small amount to their water bowl and share the support.
In addition to salmonella, bird flu is still around and virulent. Birds show symptoms like staggering and odd behavior. The same precautions you take against salmonella will help with other bird related illnesses like bird flu.
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