Young and old need to be careful

The elderly and the young should take necessary precautions to avoid contact with birds as they are more susceptible to bird flu than other age groups.

"People who are likely to suffer seriously from bird flu are those who are weak, such as young children and the old," said General Practitioner Shereen Habib, who works at the Health Centre of the American University of Sharjah.

People who need supportive treatment to combat health issues like respiratory problems should also take precautions.

Residents should not be scared about bird flu if it hits the country.

"As many as 12,000 people have died in a year worldwide because of influenza, but only 60 people died in three years because of bird flu," she said.

She said if flu symptoms last more than 10 days, one should see a doctor.